Information in this report may not include all responses or participation of the Colma Police Department.
Crimes Investigated
The Colma Police Department (CPD) reported an uptick in overall police activity during August 2025, reflecting the department’s continued commitment to proactive policing and community safety. Throughout the month, CPD officers responded to 421 calls for service and generated 122 police reports. These efforts resulted in 59 arrests, including 47 misdemeanors and 12 felonies. Officers also issued 253 citations for a range of violations, including criminal offenses, traffic infractions, and parking violations. To further support traffic safety initiatives, CPD conducted 144 traffic enforcement stops, reinforcing the department’s dedication to promoting responsible driving and reducing roadway hazards. In the first three weeks of September (September 1–21), CPD has maintained this momentum, generating 65 police reports, making 37 arrests, issuing 110 citations, and conducting 172 traffic stops.
On August 17, 2025, CPD officers observed a black Volkswagen Jetta involved in a road rage incident within the Town of Colma. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, which was being driven by Samuel Naranjo, a 29-year-old resident of Vacaville. Naranjo failed to yield and fled at a high rate of speed, committing multiple moving violations. The pursuit was terminated in the interest of public safety after Naranjo began driving with willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others, including using a public sidewalk as a means of escape.
Following the incident, CPD detectives obtained a vehicle seizure order for the suspect vehicle. On August 25, 2025, the San Bruno Police Department located the Jetta in a local shopping center. With the assistance of San Bruno PD, officers successfully located and apprehended Naranjo without further incident. Naranjo was transported to San Mateo County Jail, where he was booked on multiple charges, including: Felony fleeing and eluding a police officer, vandalism, assault, throwing a substance at a vehicle, driving with a suspended license and possession of metal knuckles. The vehicle was subsequently impounded.
From September 1 through September 8, 2025, CPD continued its commitment to public safety through proactive policing and responsive service. Over the one-week period, CPD officers responded to 98 calls for service and initiated 512 proactive enforcement activities, reflecting the department’s dedication to protecting residents, visitors, and local businesses. As a result of these combined efforts, officers generated 25 case reports addressing a variety of public safety concerns.
On September 9, 2025, Colma Police Department (CPD) officers located a red Nissan Altima stranded near Junipero Serra Boulevard and Southgate Avenue. As officers approached the vehicle, they observed a male subject—later identified as Juan Vargas Baquero, a 19-year-old San Francisco resident—enter the driver’s seat and begin driving the vehicle, which had visibly flat tires. A short distance later, the vehicle came to a complete stop, and officers contacted Baquero in the driver’s seat. During the contact, officers observed objective signs of alcohol impairment. Baquero was asked to participate in a series of standardized field sobriety tests, which he performed poorly. A preliminary alcohol screening test was administered at the scene, revealing that Baquero’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was above the legal limit. Baquero was subsequently placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and was booked into county jail.
Between September 9 and September 21, 2025, the CPD responded to a total of 1597 incidents, demonstrating the department’s ongoing commitment to public safety and support for the local business community. During this period, officers handled 188 calls for service and conducted 1409 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, narcotics-related offenses, acts of vandalism, mutual aid requests, theft involving repeat offenders, and battery.
On September 15, 2025, at approximately 10:07 PM, officers from the CPD responded to a report of a burglary in progress at the Tesla dealership located at 1500 Collins Avenue. A Tesla employee contacted CPD after observing a male suspect—later identified as Alecs Wardlow, a 32-year-old resident of San Francisco allegedly attempting to gain access to multiple vehicles in the dealership’s parking lot. CPD officers arrived on scene within minutes and observed Wardlow walking away from a Tesla vehicle. As officers approached, they noticed that Wardlow had one hand concealed in his pocket. For officer safety, a felony pedestrian stop was conducted, and Wardlow was safely taken into custody without incident. During a search of his person, officers located a concealed dirk/dagger in Wardlow’s possession. Additionally, several Tesla vehicles in the lot were found with smudge marks on door handles and pillars, consistent with attempted entry. Tesla representatives requested prosecution, and Wardlow was subsequently transported to San Mateo County Jail, where he was booked for attempted burglary and carrying a concealed dirk or dagger.
