A car thief led police on a high-speed chase before losing control and crashing a stolen vehicle in front of San Rafael High School on the Fourth of July. The culprit, Albin Adolfo Mendez-Mazariegos, 22, of Novato, is known to local law enforcement and is currently on felony probation for vehicle theft in Marin County.
The chase started shortly before 11:40 a.m. when a San Rafael Police Department officer observed a vehicle run a red light at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Second Street. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but it sped through a second red light at the next intersection.
Concerned by the dangerous and excessive speed of the vehicle, the officer decided to discontinue the pursuit in the interest of public safety. Regardless, the suspect vehicle continued at a high speed, lost control in front of San Rafael High School, and crashed into several concrete bollards. The vehicle came to rest next to the school’s gymnasium.
Following the crash, witnesses reported seeing two men flee the vehicle and immediately dialed 911. Mendez-Mazariegos was found hiding in the backyard of a residence on Belle Avenue and was taken into custody. The second man managed to evade arrest.
The vehicle Mendez-Mazariegos was driving had been reported stolen by the Central Marin Police Authority. Additionally, Novato Police were investigating Mendez-Mazariegos for another car theft from their area. He was arrested just last month with yet another stolen car. Mendez-Mazariegos was taken to Marin County Jail on new felony charges. This case serves as a reminder of the potential danger posed by criminal recidivism and the importance of effective law enforcement in maintaining community safety.