The San José Police Department has captured Josiah Lopez-Villalobos, 19, on accusations stemming from a string of gang-motivated damage incidents throughout the city. According to a recent statement from the San José Police Department, the SJPD Gang Investigations Unit (GIU) tracked down and identified the culprit in these instances, which occurred between March 26 and April 11.

During a pedestrian check, SJPD Gang Suppression Officers discovered Lopez-Villalobos, a San Jose resident, in possession of a hidden handgun and spray paint. Following his arrest on April 11, the District Attorney’s Office partnered with the SJPD to file new gang enhancement charges last Monday, according to the official San José Police Department.

This example demonstrates how municipal technologies, such as the City of San Jose’s 3-1-1 app, may help law enforcement officials discover and follow trends of criminal conduct. The app was critical in capturing the multiple vandalism reports, which led to a thorough investigation by the GIU and, eventually, the suspect’s capture and incarceration.

The San José Police Department has thanked the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office for taking timely and effective action in the matter. Furthermore, the agency has asked the public to contact Detective Garcia of the GIU with any information on these or similar cases. Interested persons can contact Detective Garcia via email at [email protected] or phone at 408-277-3835.