A 34-year-old Richmond resident was arrested in Daly City last week after an automated license plate reader system alerted Colma police to a stolen vehicle entering their jurisdiction, leading to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia during a subsequent search.

Cornelius Carlisle was taken into custody on June 5, 2025, at approximately 10:21 PM following what Colma Police describe as a "Felony Friday" incident that began when their Flock Safety Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system detected a vehicle that had been reported stolen to the San Francisco Police Department the previous day. Officers located the vehicle in the 4700 block of Callan Avenue in Daly City and conducted a high-risk felony stop.

Advanced Technology Enables Swift Detection

The arrest highlights the growing effectiveness of automated license plate recognition technology in combating vehicle theft across the Bay Area. Flock Safety systems, which have been deployed by numerous Bay Area law enforcement agencies, automatically scan license plates and provide real-time alerts when stolen vehicles or vehicles associated with wanted individuals enter monitored areas, according to Campbell Police Department .

The technology has proven particularly valuable in the Bay Area, where vehicle theft rates remain among the highest in the nation. According to recent data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau , the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metropolitan area had the highest auto theft rate per 100,000 people in the United States, while the Los Angeles area led in total volume of stolen vehicles.

Regional Auto Theft Crisis

The incident reflects broader trends in Bay Area auto theft that have escalated dramatically in recent years. Data shows that nearly 41,000 vehicles were stolen in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2023, making it the second-highest region in California for vehicle theft after Los Angeles. In the Bay Area specifically, 53.8% of vehicle thefts occurred in Alameda County.

Police departments across the region have increasingly turned to ALPR technology to address the crisis. Flock Safety reports that police departments using their cameras have recovered 104 stolen vehicles worth $1.47 million in a single year, while also locating 93 wanted persons and contributing to significant decreases in commercial burglaries.

Pattern of Similar Incidents

The Carlisle arrest follows a pattern of similar cases in Colma where ALPR systems have led to significant arrests. According to Colma Police crime bulletins , officers have repeatedly used license plate reading cameras to detect stolen vehicles and make arrests involving drug possession and other charges. In one recent case, officers arrested two suspects for possession of a stolen vehicle after their ALPR system detected the vehicle, leading to the discovery of drug paraphernalia and multiple fraudulent documents.

Colma Police Department data shows that between March and May 2025, officers made over 150 arrests and handled more than 6,000 incidents. Recent crime bulletins indicate that narcotics-related offenses remain a significant concern for the department, often occurring in conjunction with theft and vehicle-related crimes.

Drug Crisis Context

The seizure of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine in this case reflects ongoing drug challenges throughout the Bay Area. According to San Mateo County health officials , methamphetamine use dominates the landscape of drug use in the county, with 28% of drug overdose deaths in 2019 involving methamphetamine.

While recent national data shows a promising decline in drug deaths among younger Americans, with overdose fatalities dropping roughly 40% among people under 35, the prevalence of both substances continues to pose significant public health challenges. The Drug Enforcement Administration reported seizing more than 60 million fentanyl-laced fake pills and nearly 8,000 pounds of fentanyl powder in 2024.

Location and Demographics

The arrest occurred in the 4700 block of Callan Avenue in Daly City, an area that has experienced above-average crime rates compared to national statistics. Daly City, with a population of approximately 105,000, has seen a crime rate of 24 per thousand residents, with motor vehicle theft being particularly problematic according to crime analysis data .

The city has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation, with residents facing a 1 in 264 chance of having their car stolen, significantly higher than most communities across America.

Legal Implications

Carlisle faces multiple charges including taking a vehicle without owner's consent, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled narcotic. He was booked into San Mateo County Jail, while the stolen vehicle was towed and eventually returned to its owner.

The charges reflect California's approach to addressing the intersection of vehicle theft and drug possession, which law enforcement officials say often occur together. According to public safety research , motor vehicle thefts are considered a "keystone crime" because they are frequently used to facilitate other, more serious offenses.

The incident demonstrates the continued effectiveness of technological solutions in law enforcement, as ALPR systems provide officers with real-time intelligence that can lead to swift apprehension of suspects and recovery of stolen property. As communities across the Bay Area grapple with persistent auto theft and drug-related crimes, such technology represents an important tool in public safety efforts.

Bottom Line: The arrest of Cornelius Carlisle illustrates how advanced surveillance technology is helping Bay Area police combat the region's significant auto theft problem, though the incident also underscores ongoing challenges with drug possession and vehicle-related crimes affecting communities throughout the area.