Police Officer's Hunch Uncovers Stolen Property

An alert Belmont police officer’s contact with a man early Thursday morning lead to the arrest of two people -- one a Burlingame resident -- on multiple theft-related charges.

According to Lt. Pat Halleran, at approximately 4:00 a.m. last Thursday, a Belmont officer on routine patrol in the Homeview neighborhood contacted a man who was identified as, Michael Bruni, age 22, of Redwood City. 

The officer learned that a GPS that was in Bruni’s possession had been taken from a car parked nearby in the 1100 block of Judson Street. Bruni was arrested for possession of stolen property, identity theft, false information to a police officer, possession of marijuana and an outstanding warrant for possession of stolen property and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Police say a subsequent investigation lead officers to a local Belmont motel, where Bruni had been staying.  A woman, identified as Jessica Rivera, age 21, of Burlingame was found in the room along with additional property including a stolen driver’s license.  Rivera was arrested for possession of stolen property and identity theft.

Both Bruni and Rivera were booked into the San Mateo County Jail in Redwood City.  Belmont Police Department detectives will continue to investigate to see if they are linked to any other recent crimes.