Palo Alto Police Search for Suspect in Charleston Gardens Burglary

Resident confronted intruder who fled the scene before police arrived.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:04pm

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Palo Alto police are searching for a suspect who allegedly entered a home in the Charleston Gardens neighborhood on Saturday afternoon and was attempting to burglarize it before a resident intervened. The resident called the police, but the suspect was able to flee the scene before officers arrived.

Why it matters

Burglaries and property crimes are an ongoing concern for Palo Alto residents, with the Charleston Gardens area being one of the more affected neighborhoods. This incident highlights the need for increased security measures and community vigilance to deter such criminal activity.

The details

According to the police report, the incident occurred around 5 PM on March 14th on the 4100 block of Sutherland Drive. The resident, a man in his 40s, went to his garage and found a stranger placing items in a bag. When the resident confronted the intruder, the suspect allegedly ran out of the garage and jumped over a fence to escape. The resident called the police, but the suspect was not located. Police said the intruder entered the garage through an unlocked door and was described as a Hispanic male, around 5'9" tall, wearing a mask.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, March 14th, around 5 PM.

The players

Palo Alto Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the burglary incident.

Resident

A man in his 40s who confronted the intruder in his garage.

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What’s next

Police are asking anyone with information about the burglary to contact their 24-hour dispatch center or submit a tip by text.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of home security and community vigilance in deterring property crimes in Palo Alto neighborhoods. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity and ensure their homes are properly secured to help prevent future burglaries.