Posted by Resident, a resident of the Duveneck/St. Francis neighborhood, on Jan 21, 2012 at 4:52 pm

This man was clearly trying to steal a car. Why was he released?

Posted by basco, a resident of the Duveneck/St. Francis neighborhood, on Jan 21, 2012 at 9:55 pm

yep, right, if he was black he wouldn't be released

Posted by JustMe, a resident of the Duveneck/St. Francis neighborhood, on Jan 23, 2012 at 11:19 am

"This man was clearly trying to steal a car. Why was he released?"

I don't now about you, but if I was trying to steal a car, I don't think I would do it from the passenger seat. He was probably just riffling the car for change and valuables.

I did not see in the article that he had been released. Where did it say that? I see the police issued a press release, but that is not the same thing.

"yep, right, if he was black he wouldn't be released"

I find that to be offensive, an insult to the police and our society.

Posted by PM, a resident of the Crescent Park neighborhood, on Jan 23, 2012 at 2:06 pm

"...was cited for tampering with a vehicle and released at the scene..."

I agree that he should not have been released. Even if a car is unlocked, isn't it illegal to enter it if it's not yours, without permission?

Posted by musical, a resident of the Palo Verde neighborhood, on Jan 23, 2012 at 5:08 pm

I guess we've been conditioned to suspect the worst of people. He could have been just looking for a comfortable place to take a nap, and figured it was the car of an employee who wouldn't be returning for awhile. The owner left it unlocked, which might be misconstrued as an invitation. The article is ambiguous about whether the guy was arrested (as in booked) or released at the scene. If he had identification and there were no wants or warrants or burglary tools or stolen property on him then I think it's usual to cite and release. Shoplifters are cited and released regularly. Maybe a law enforcement person here can enlighten us.

Posted by Nayeli, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Jan 23, 2012 at 9:12 pm

This guy was RELEASED?!?

He should have spent some time in the local jail!!!

Unbelievable.

Posted by Sal, a resident of the Old Palo Alto neighborhood, on Jan 25, 2012 at 1:45 pm

I agree it would be better if he was not released, but I think that he didn't do anything illegal to charge him with. (But I do think it should be illegal to enter someone elses unlocked property.)

I believe if the car had been locked, then it would have been a crime. Please correct me if I am wrong.