Arrests made following thefts of two Bay Area mail carriers

PALO ALTO – A 19-year-old Sacramento man and a 17-year-old boy were arrested over the weekend on suspicion of robbing mail carriers in Palo Alto and Belmont, according to authorities.

The first robbery occurred around 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the 700 block of Old County Road in Belmont, Palo Alto police said in a news release. No weapons were used, but the victim, a woman in her forties, was slightly injured.

The second robbery occurred 45 minutes later in the 800 block of Ilima Court in Palo Alto. This time, the robbers pointed what appeared to be a gun at the victim – a man in his 60s – and took his postal keys, according to police. He was not injured.

Witnesses reported the second theft to the police. The thieves and their car – a black 2013 Infiniti G37 – matched descriptions shared by Belmont police, police said.

Officers found the Infiniti traveling northbound on El Camino Real from Matadero Avenue. The car sped away from them but crashed into a tree in the 3100 block of Hansen Way, police said.

The occupants ran from the car, police said, adding that they were arrested nearby a short time later. Both were treated at the scene for minor injuries sustained in the collision.

Officers searched the Infiniti, which had been reported stolen May 1 in Alameda, and found two sets of mail keys, according to police. Additionally, officers found a pair of realistic-looking replica handguns – one inside the car and one on the ground outside the car.

Police said the 19-year-old man was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on charges of robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, committing a felony while out on parole. bail for several gun violations and resisting arrest.

The 17-year-old boy was booked into county juvenile hall on the same charges, as well as vehicle theft and escape.

Palo Alto detectives are investigating whether the duo robbed another mail carrier in December. This matter is still unresolved.

Anyone with information related to the case can contact the police department at 650-329-2413; those wishing to remain anonymous can call or text 650-383-8984 or email paloalto@tipnow.org.