Arrest made in spate of Tracy-area taqueria vandalisms

A suspect wanted in connection to a string of vandalisms at several taquerias in Tracy was arrested while allegedly throwing rocks at a Mexican restaurant in the early morning Monday, police said.

At about 2:51 a.m. Monday, Tracy Police Special Enforcement Team officers witnessed a 36-year-old man throwing the rocks at a taqueria in the 1200 block of West 11th Street, police said in a press release. After seeing the vandalism take place, officers tried to apprehend the man but he ran away.

After a short pursuit on foot, the man was taken into custody in the area of 9th and 11th Street. During a search of the man’s home by police, officers found additional evidence connecting him to a string of at least 12 vandalisms in the area over the last two months.

Authorities did not offer a possible motive for the string of attacks. Police and the DA’s office did not say whether the crimes were believed to be racially motivated.

The 36-year-old was booked into San Joaquin County Jail on multiple counts of felony vandalism and resisting arrest, but no charges have been filed yet as prosecutors are still waiting on other cases from Tracy PD, a spokesperson for the DA’s office said.

The alleged vandal is set to be arraigned Wednesday at the San Joaquin County Manteca courthouse.