Teen and auto burglar arrested after San Francisco chase to Oakland

A teenager and a known auto burglar were arrested after a police chase that began in San Francisco and ended in Oakland. The incident unfolded on a Saturday afternoon when plainclothes officers observed a vehicle being burglarized near the Palace of Fine Arts. Despite attempts to follow the suspect, the driver evaded capture through dangerous maneuvers. The vehicle was later spotted in Alamo Square, where the suspect was seen breaking into another car. The police pursuit escalated as the vehicle headed onto the Bay Bridge. During the chase, officers deployed a spike strip to disable the vehicle, but the suspects continued to flee at high speeds until they crashed in Oakland. Both individuals attempted to escape on foot but were apprehended shortly after. Investigations revealed that the first vehicle involved in the burglaries was stolen, and a search uncovered burglary tools and stolen property linked to previous incidents. The adult suspect, Robert Sonza, faced multiple charges, including receiving stolen property and carrying a loaded firearm. The juvenile was cited for various offenses, including vehicle theft and possession of burglary tools, and was released to a parent. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of auto burglaries targeting tourists in San Francisco, prompting police to enhance their surveillance efforts. San Francisco Police Chief William Scott commended the officers for their dedication, noting a significant reduction in auto burglaries over the past year. The arrests serve as a reminder of the deliberate nature of these crimes, which are not merely opportunistic but planned attacks on visitors at popular destinations.