Livermore Trio Arrested, Linked to Danville Car Break-ins

Danville Police arrested three suspects early Monday morning for breaking into several cars on and around Hill Meadow Place, Danville Police Chief Steve Simpkins said.

A quick-thinking resident heard noises by the car and witnessed individuals taking items to another parked car, Simpkins said. The resident immediately called the police. The incident took place around 3:24 a.m.

The suspects fled in a vehicle before officers arrived but the resident was able to give a detailed description to responding officers.

"This is another case of when a resident sees something out of place to always give us a call," Simpkins said.

Based on the description of the suspects' vehicle, a Danville Officer was able to locate and stop the getaway car.

The three individuals in the car were found with items that police were able to identify as stolen property from Danville residents, Simpkins said.

Arrested were:

• Jacob Kober, 23, of Livermore
• Caitlin Affleck, 20, of Livermore
• Russ Mendenhall, 34, of Livermore

Simpkins said as people started to wake up Monday morning, the department received several calls of car break-ins. "The (items) we found in the car, we were able to (link back) to items in other break-ins that morning," he said.

He added that three break-ins (all within a mile radius of Hill Meadow Place) are connected to the arrests. Items total about $3,000, he said, and include electronics, tools, golf clubs, among other things.

The cars that were broken into were wither unlocked or the windows were partially down, he said.

"(It's important to) lock all doors, roll up all windows, and keep valuables out of sight," Simpkins said. "Most importantly call us if you see anything out of the ordinary."

Simpkins said it's too early to tell if these three suspects had anything to do with the uptick in car break-ins in Danville in March and April.

All three suspects were charged with probation violation, grand theft and possession of stolen property. Kober was also arrested on an outstanding felony warrant for burglary. The suspects are being held at the Martinez Detention Facility.  

Simpkins praised the quick actions of both the victim and the arresting officer.

“This was one of those times that illustrates how effective the relationship between the police and our citizens can be,” he said.