Information in this report may not include all responses or participation of the Colma Police Department.
Crimes Investigated
The Colma Police Department (CPD) observed a slight increase in overall police activity during July 2025, reflecting the department’s continued proactive efforts to ensure the safety of both the community and local businesses. Throughout the month, CPD officers responded to 425 calls for service and generated 133 police reports. These efforts led to 65 arrests, including 49 misdemeanors and 16 felonies. In addition, officers issued 246 citations for a range of offenses, including criminal violations, traffic infractions, and parking violations. A total of 207 traffic enforcement stops were also conducted, underscoring the department’s ongoing commitment to maintaining public safety and promoting responsible behavior on the road. CPD remains dedicated to a proactive and community-focused approach to policing, working diligently to foster a safe and secure environment for all residents and businesses. Between August 1 and August 21, CPD officers filed 89 reports, executed 44 arrests, issued 186 citations, and conducted 107 traffic stops.
On July 25, 2025, at approximately 10:12 p.m., CPD officers were conducting a routine patrol when they observed a Ford truck committing multiple vehicle code violations. Upon further investigation, officers determined that the vehicle matched the description of a suspect vehicle involved in a recent hit-and-run collision reported by a neighboring agency. A traffic stop was conducted in front of 1232 El Camino Real. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers contacted the sole occupant and driver, identified as Alto Dagostini, a 39-year-old resident of South San Francisco. While speaking with Dagostini, officers observed objective signs of alcohol impairment. He was asked to perform a series of field sobriety tests, which he performed poorly. He was subsequently placed under arrest for driving under the influence (DUI). Dagostini refused to submit to a Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) test as well as the required chemical test in accordance with California Vehicle Code. As a result, officers obtained and executed a search warrant for a blood draw to determine his blood alcohol content. Dagostini was transported and booked into county jail for DUI related charges.
From August 1 through August 8, CPD reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to community safety through dedicated service and proactive policing efforts. Over the two-week period, CPD officers responded to 109 calls for service and initiated 398 proactive incidents. These combined efforts resulted in the generation of 39 case reports addressing a wide range of public safety concerns. Notable incidents during this time frame included arrests and investigations involving battery on a police officer, vehicle collisions, identity theft, petty theft with prior convictions, and grand theft.
On August 2, 2025, at approximately 12:21 PM, CPD Officers were dispatched to the Target store located at 5001 Junipero Serra Boulevard following a report of an active theft in progress. The report indicated that two female suspects were inside the store concealing merchandise in personal bags.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with Target Loss Prevention personnel, who were positioned outside the store to make contact with the suspects. As the two individuals exited the store, loss prevention staff attempted to detain them. One of the suspects cooperated and returned inside without incident. The second suspect, however, denied any wrongdoing and attempted to walk away from responding officers. CPD Officers informed the second individual that she was being detained and ordered her to return inside the store. She refused to comply and attempted to bypass officers. When officers moved to detain her, she began actively resisting arrest. A physical struggle ensued during which the suspect kicked at officers and concealed her arms inside her sweatshirt in an effort to avoid being handcuffed. During the altercation, the suspect bit a CPD Sergeant on the left arm, resulting in a visible injury. Despite continued resistance, officers were able to safely subdue the suspect and place her in handcuffs. Due to her ongoing combative behavior, additional restraints were applied to ensure her safety and that of the officers.
A records check conducted by dispatch revealed that the suspect had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant in the amount of $2,500. The suspect, identified as Ada Mendozaortiz, a 25-year-old resident of San Francisco, was arrested and booked in County Jail on multiple charges, including obstructing/resisting an officer causing injury, battery on a peace officer conspiracy to commit a crime, shoplifting and her outstanding warrant.
Between August 9 and August 21, 2025, the CPD responded to a total of 789 incidents, demonstrating the department’s ongoing commitment to public safety and support for the local business community. During this period, officers handled 168 calls for service and conducted 621 proactive engagements. The variety of incidents addressed highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of law enforcement within our community. Notable incidents included threats against a police officer, assault with a deadly weapon, narcotics-related offenses, acts of vandalism, mutual aid requests, fraud, theft involving repeat offenders, and battery.
On August 13, 2025, CPD officers conducted a bicycle traffic stop at the intersection of Serramonte Boulevard and Junipero Serra Boulevard for multiple vehicle code violations. During the stop, the individual later identified as Luis Valdez, a 46-year-old resident of Daly City initially provided a false name to officers. A subsequent investigation, including the use of a mobile fingerprint device, confirmed his true identity. A consensual search of Valdez led to the discovery of drug paraphernalia. He was cited for providing false information to a peace officer and for possession of drug paraphernalia. Valdez was released at the scene without further incident.