Emeryville: 2 suspects arrested after being caught peering into vehicles
File photo.
EMERYVILLE (BCN)— Two suspects were arrested Thursday morning in Emeryville after a security guard saw them peering into parked vehicles in the parking lot of the Nordstrom Rack store, police said.
The security guard called police at 9:39 a.m. and reported the suspicious behavior at the shopping center at 3839 Emery St.
The suspects were allegedly driving a red Acura SUV and tried to drive away when police arrived. Officers said they stopped the suspects and allegedly found them with three window punches, which are used to break into vehicles.
Officers also allegedly found a 6-inch switchblade knife, property stolen in a Fremont car burglary and crack cocaine on one of the suspects.
The Acura was allegedly an unreported stolen vehicle. The rear license plate was covered with a paper dealer plate, police said.
Officers arrested 26-year-old George Nelson and 25-year-old James Craft.
Nelson was arrested on suspicion of possessing a switchblade, illegal drugs and burglary tools and also on a felony arrest warrant.
Craft was arrested on suspicion of prowling, possessing burglary tools, possessing stolen property and vehicle theft, according to police.
The case came two days after a robbery at the same Nordstrom Rack store, where a male suspect stole purses, then threatened a security guard with a firearm while fleeing.
No one was injured in the robbery, which was reported at 7:09 p.m. Tuesday.
Anyone with information about either case is encouraged to call police. Callers can remain anonymous by calling (510) 596-3700.