Car Burglary Suspects Drive through Mill Valley Construction Zone

Two San Rafael teenagers were arrested early Wednesday morning after California Highway Patrol officers found them in a car that was reported stolen last week, according to authorities.

Jose Peralta, 19, and Jose Escobar, 19, were booked in on suspicion of possessing burglary tools and grand theft auto.  Peralta was additionally charged for committing a felony while being on release for felony charges and driving while unlicensed. Escobar was charged for possession of drug paraphernalia and escaping from custody.

At approximately 12:37 a.m. on Wednesday, CHP stopped the suspects after they drove a Chrysler PT Cruiser through a construction closure at SR-1 to northbound US-101. The driver crossed into an opposite lane, traveled through the construction zone and on to the onramp before entering US-101 heading northbound.

CHP stopped the motorist on Seminary Drive after witnessing him almost collide with a traffic management sign, according to CHP spokesman Eric Hohmeister.

Peralta, who was driving, told officers that the car belonged to Escobar’s friend.

“Neither the driver nor the passenger could produce the name of the Chrysler’s owner or any identification,” Hohmeister said.

The vehicle was reported stolen from a Mill Valley address on Aug. 3.

Escobar attempted to flee on foot as officers were patting him down, but he was apprehended in a marshy area just east of their location. Upon inspection, officers found a glass marijuana pipe on his person.
 
“An inventory of the Chrysler revealed walkie-talkie radios, gloves, tools, multiple sets of keys and a ski mask,” Hohmeister said.

Peralta and Escobar were placed under arrest at approximately 12:45 a.m. Their bail is set at $25,000 each.