SAN FRANCISCO—Several suspects were arrested for their role in attempting to steal property from a private business owner. The incident transpired on March 12 at approximately 11:30 a.m., when officers from the San Francisco Police Department responded to the region of 18th and Harrison Streets about several individuals trying to access a toolbox connected to a vehicle.
The SFPD reported that a 911 caller indicated that the vehicle was parked behind a bus that was converted into a mobile home. Officers arrived on scene and detained three suspects. Additional investigating revealed the small golf cart-like vehicle appeared to belong to a private business in the area of Fisherman’s Wharf. Officers contacted the business and learned the vehicle was stolen hours before the 911 call was made to the Mission District.
Officers talked with a local merchant in the area of 18th and Harrison Streets and discovered that the bus had been parked in the area for a number of weeks and merchants suspected the individuals were operating a bicycle “chop shop.” Officers spotted numerous bicycles on the sidewalk just outside the bus. One of suspects indicated he was the owner of one of the bicycles, but the rest of the bicycles were unclaimed.
Central station officers obtained security footage from the Fisherman’s Wharf business and saw consistencies in the clothing description of the suspect that stole the vehicle and the suspect detained in the Mission District. Employees of the Fisherman’s Wharf business arrived on the scene and confirmed items taken from the vehicle were the business’s property.
The vehicle and stolen property were returned to the business’s employees. Officers seized the bicycles for safekeeping, towed the bus pending further investigation and arrested the three suspects. Francisco Platero, 23, of San Francisco was booked for grand theft, possession of stolen property and conspiracy. Oscar Centeno, 39, a transient and Chester Rebolledo, 28, of San Bruno were both booked for possession of stolen property and conspiracy.
Authorities are still investigating the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD Tip Line at (415) 575-4444 or text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
