Alleged Car Thief Found on Pierce with Stolen Car, Stolen Items, Police Say

Police arrested a man on Pierce Street on Wednesday afternoon after receiving a report that someone appeared to be stealing license plates from vehicles in a parking area, authorities said.

At about 3:20 p.m., a caller contacted police to report a suspicious man at 545 Pierce who seemed to be stealing license plates, said Lt. Dan Adams of the , via email. 

Officers checked the area but did not find the suspect. They began taking a statement from a witness, said Adams, and found a vehicle with a missing rear license plate. 

At 4 p.m., police spotted a man at 535 Pierce who fit the original suspect's description. Adams said the man appeared suspicious to police, who saw him discard gloves and tools he had been carrying.

Police identified the man as Mark Matteri, 49, of El Sobrante. Matteri had outstanding felony warrants related to burglary and vehicle theft, Adams said. 

Officers also found a vehicle near Matteri that had been stolen on May 18. 

Police found license plates from several vehicles inside the stolen car. Adams said police found property in Matteri's pockets that had been reported to have been taken along with the stolen vehicle. 

Matteri was arrested on suspicion of theft, possession of stolen property and in connection with the warrants, and taken to the Alameda County jail. 

He no longer appeared to be in custody as of Friday morning.

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