Police in Palo Alto have arrested a woman suspected of an auto burglary, authorities said.
At 8:58 a.m. Thursday, dispatchers got a 911 report of a possible auto burglary in progress in the 900 block of High Street. Police responded to find a woman inside a white 2020 Ford Escape.
The woman then got out the Escaped and walked away. Palo Alto officials contacted her without incident.
Police identified the suspect as 42-year-old Ammiel Elisabeth Lawson of Morgan Hill.
After a preliminary investigation, pry marks were discovered on the vehicle, suggesting that it had been forcibly entered. Lawson used a key as a pry tool to damage and forcibly open the locked door of the Escape, gaining entry to the vehicle.
A man’s wallet was found inside the suspect’s jacket pocket, confirming it was stolen from the Escape. Police contacted the owner, a man in his 50s, who identified the wallet, and officers promptly returned it.
Lawson was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on charges of auto burglary and possession of burglary tools.
Police do not have evidence linking this suspect to any other auto burglaries. Detectives are actively pursuing further investigation.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Palo Alto PD’s 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329-2413. Anonymous tips can be e-mailed to [email protected] or sent via text message or voice mail to (650) 383-8984.