Suspect arrested in series of commercial burglaries
According to police, seven businesses in San Diego were the target of commercial burglaries between March 15 and 18.
Fay Diner, Isabella's Mexican Food and Pizza at the Ranch were burglarized on March 15.
Retail theft bust at Las Americas outlet mall leads to 80 arrests
Pho Hoang Express, Fine Indian Cuisine and Pailin Thai Café were targeted the next day on March 16, followed by Best Pizza and Brew two days later.
On Friday, March 21, SDPD charged Eugene Mendiola, 31, with seven counts of commercial burglary.
According to police, Mendiola was identified as the suspect when the vehicle being used during the crimes was traced back to him using the Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system.
Mendiola has also been the suspect in several other cases throughout San Diego County since February. The crimes were committed in cities such as Chula Vista, El Cajon, Escondido and Oceanside, SDPD stated.
Currently, Mendiola has been linked to a total of 19 different cases. SDPD said it is working with other law enforcement partners to find out whether he may have committed any other crimes.
Anyone with more information is asked to call the Northeastern Substation at (858) 538-8012 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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