Information in this report may not include all responses or participation of the Colma Police Department.
Crimes Investigated
In November 2024, our dedicated Officers handled a significant number of incidents, fielding 2,180 and taking 128 reports. They made 72 arrests, 65 for misdemeanors and 7 for felonies, issued 147 criminal, traffic, and parking citations, and conducted 230 traffic enforcement stops. In December, Officers continued their efficient work, handling 1,067 incidents and taking 71 reports. Between December 1st and December 17th, 33 arrests, 50 citations, and 77 traffic stops were conducted.
On November 19th, Matthew Costello was apprehended by loss prevention officers for stealing $207.79 worth of merchandise from a business in the Metro Mall. Costello provided CPD officers with another person’s identity to make them liable for the theft. Further investigation revealed Costello’s true identity, and he was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He was issued a citation for possession of a controlled substance, theft, and making others liable.
On November 20th, a vehicle dealership located on the 900 Block of Collins Avenue was a victim of grand theft. CPD Officers responded to the dealership’s parking lot and were met with an employee who advised that the parking lot gate had been left open overnight. At an unknown time, unidentified suspect(s) removed 24 tire-mounted wheels from brand new vehicles. The estimated value of the stolen items is approximately $29,082.00, and the suspects caused $20,000.00 in damages. This is currently an ongoing investigation.
On November 27th, Joshua Warwick entered a business in the Metro Mall and stole $293.89 worth of merchandise. CPD officers swiftly arrived on the scene and attempted to contact Warwick, giving him verbal commands to stop, which he ignored. A foot pursuit ensued through a nearby cemetery, which led to Warwick’s apprehension. Loss prevention positively identified Warwick and issued a citation for shoplifting and obstructing a police officer. This incident was handled with the utmost professionalism and efficiency by our Officers.
Between December 1st and December 9th, there were 182 calls for service and 423 officer-initiated incidents. Officers took 46 cases, including driving with a suspended license, outstanding warrants, grand theft, commercial burglary, possession of stolen property, and various thefts.
On December 1st, CPD officers responded to a business in the Serra Center on a theft that had occurred earlier in the day. CPD Officers learned that three unidentified suspects entered the business and stole $6,000.00 worth of electronics and alcohol. The suspects fled and were unidentified at the time of the report. CPD officers conducted further investigation and were able to identify the suspects as Donnie Bell, Cenious Brewster, and Justin Mithcell.
On December 4, Donnie Bell returned to the same business located in Serra Center with Monzell Harding and was observed by loss prevention attempting to open the high-end electronic case. CPD Officers arrived on the scene and attempted to detain Bell inside of the store. Bell led the officers into a foot pursuit inside the store, which resulted in him being arrested and Harding what taken into custody with no further incident. CPD officers conducted further investigation and with the assistance of outside agencies, located Brewster and Mitchell, who were also taken into custody. Bell, Brewster, and Harding were transported to the county jail, where they were booked for organized retail theft, second-degree burglary, possession of burglary tools, and resisting arrest. Mitchell was taken into custody by the U.S. probation department based on theft he committed in Colma and an outstanding probation violation.
On December 2nd, Paulo Evangelista was contacted by CPD officers on the 900 Block of Collins Avenue. Evangelista was inside a Chrysler minivan that displayed a license plate that belonged to a Tesla. Further investigation by CPD officers learned that Evangelista possessed several license plates belonging to Tesla vehicles. The Crysler minivan was determined to be stolen from a dealership located on the 600 Block of Serramonte Boulevard. Evangelista was also later determined to have broken into a business on Collins Avenue after business hours and stolen several laptops, key cards, and business property. Evangelista was transported to county jail, where he was booked for possession of stolen vehicle, stealing a vehicle, commercial burglary, grand theft, and an outstanding warrant. He is still in custody and waiting for his hearing.
Between December 10th and December 17th, our Officers responded to 474 incidents, including 145 calls for service and 329 officer-initiated incidents. The incidents led to 11 arrests and 33 citations, covering cases ranging from possession of narcotics, commercial burglaries, resisting arrest, drunk in public, assault with a deadly weapon, and fatal traffic collisions.
