Home Burglary in San Jose Leads to Five Arrests, Authorities Confirm

Last week, I was following updates from the San Jose Police Department, and one story really caught my attention. On the morning of October 31, around 10:14 a.m., a home in West San Jose became the target of a burglary. According to police reports, a witness saw two people breaking into the garage and taking multiple items.

What makes this case stand out is how quickly the police acted. Using automated license plate reader cameras nearby, they were able to track the suspect vehicle in real time. Within hours, officers located the car at a house on Muirfield Drive, just east of Interstate 280 and south of Alum Rock Avenue, and conducted a stop that led to five arrests.

The suspects included Juan Montano (55), Ana Serrano (32), and Marisol Hernandez-Alvarez (41) — all residents of San Jose — along with Diego Roque-Arellano (19) and Jesus Luvio-Roque (44), who lived at the Muirfield Drive home. During the investigation, police recovered stolen property from the West San Jose burglary, a stolen rifle, and a privately made handgun. They also found evidence linking the suspects to other burglaries in the area.

If you’re like me, reading something like this makes you pause and think: how safe is your own neighborhood? Later in this article, I’ll walk you through the tech, the police investigation, and practical steps you can take to protect your home. But first, it’s important to understand exactly what happened and how quickly law enforcement acted to catch these suspects.

How Automated License Plate Cameras Cracked the Case?

When I read about this arrest, what stood out most was the use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology. These cameras aren’t just for catching speeding tickets — in this case, they played a central role in tracking the suspect vehicle almost immediately after the burglary.

According to CBS News San Francisco, police used ALPR cameras near the crime scene to identify the vehicle’s license plate. That allowed officers to follow the car to a nearby house on Muirfield Drive, where the suspects were ultimately stopped and arrested.

If you think about it, it’s impressive how tech can shrink the time between a crime occurring and suspects being caught. It’s also a reminder that, while these tools help police, being aware of your surroundings and reporting suspicious activity immediately can make a big difference.

Inside the Investigation — What Police Found

Once officers reached the Muirfield Drive home, the investigation quickly uncovered several critical pieces of evidence. They recovered stolen property taken from the West San Jose burglary, a stolen rifle, and a privately made handgun.

Even more concerning, some of the evidence suggested the suspects were involved in other burglaries across the area. Reading this, I couldn’t help but think about how often we underestimate the reach of these crime rings. This isn’t just an isolated garage break-in — it was part of a pattern that could affect multiple neighborhoods if left unchecked.

Understanding the depth of evidence helps us see why law enforcement prioritizes swift action and coordination. It’s not about fear-mongering; it’s about being aware and proactive about safety.

In some tragic cases, such as the targeted home invasion of Tyler Weaver, 25, the consequences of home security lapses can be severe, reminding us why evidence and quick police action are so critical.

The Arrested Suspects — Names, Ages, and Charges

The San Jose Police Department has officially confirmed the identities and charges of all five suspects:

• Juan Montano, 55 – arrested at the Muirfield Drive home
• Ana Serrano, 32 – arrested at the Muirfield Drive home
• Marisol Hernandez-Alvarez, 41 – arrested at the Muirfield Drive home
• Diego Roque-Arellano, 19 – resident of the house; booked for possession of stolen property and firearm-related crimes
• Jesus Luvio-Roque, 44 – resident of the house; booked for possession of stolen property and firearm-related crimes

Seeing the names and charges laid out like this makes it real. It’s not just “some burglars” — these are individuals facing serious consequences, and it shows how carefully law enforcement works to hold the right people accountable.

Muirfield Drive — Where the Arrests Happened

If you know San Jose, Muirfield Drive is just east of Interstate 280 and south of Alum Rock Avenue. Police described the area as residential but close enough to main roads that the suspects might have thought they could get away quickly.

Reading this, I realized how important location awareness is — both for residents and law enforcement. The quick coordination of patrol units, coupled with ALPR technology, allowed police to act before the suspects could flee.

It’s a good reminder: even in familiar neighborhoods, staying alert and reporting unusual activity can prevent crimes from escalating.

San Jose Police Response and Safety Reminder

The SJPD has emphasized community cooperation in cases like this. Detective Santistevan, part of the Burglary Unit, encourages anyone with information about this case or similar incidents to reach out at [email protected] or call 408-277-4401.

As I read the official statement, what struck me is that the police aren’t just solving crimes after the fact — they rely on residents like you and me to stay engaged.

Knowing who to call, sharing tips, and keeping an eye on your neighborhood aren’t just civic duties; they’re practical steps that make your street safer.

Similar cases of home invasions, like the recent armed burglary in Florida, highlight that these incidents can happen anywhere, making awareness and preventive measures essential.

Are Home Burglaries Rising in San Jose?

Looking at this case, I couldn’t help but wonder — is West San Jose seeing more break-ins than before? According to the San Jose Police Department and crime data for 2024–2025, residential burglaries have seen a slight uptick in certain neighborhoods. While not every street is affected equally, patterns suggest that opportunistic burglars target areas with easy access and low visibility.

Knowing the trends is useful. You might be thinking, “I live nearby — should I be worried?” The key takeaway is awareness. When you understand where and how burglaries happen, you can take practical steps to reduce risk.

For example, securing garages, installing cameras, and participating in neighborhood watch programs can make your home less of a target.

Many residents also share real-time neighborhood updates on messaging groups like WhatsApp, which can be an easy way to stay alert about suspicious activity in your area.

What Residents Can Do to Protect Their Homes?

Here’s where things get practical. If you’re like me, you want actionable steps you can take right now. Based on advice from security experts and local police guidance:

• Install smart locks and video doorbells — these deter burglars and give you evidence if anything happens.
• Join neighborhood watch programs or platforms like Nextdoor — staying connected keeps you informed.
• Report suspicious activity immediately to SJPD via their online portal or phone line.
• Secure garages and side entrances — many burglars enter through less visible areas.

Even small changes, like leaving lights on timers or keeping valuables out of sight, can make a difference. The more proactive you are, the safer you and your neighbors will feel.

Incidents like the Columbia Heights home invasion, where a resident was injured, underline the importance of practical safety steps like securing entrances and reporting suspicious activity promptly.

Looking Ahead — Technology and Trust in Crime Prevention

Finally, I want to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Technology, like automated license plate readers and smart surveillance cameras, is changing how crimes are solved.

They help police catch suspects faster and prevent further burglaries. But there’s a balance to strike — privacy concerns and responsible use are real considerations.

The lesson here is twofold: embrace technology that protects your community, and stay informed about how it’s used.

Being a smart, proactive resident means knowing both the benefits and limitations of these tools. It’s not just about stopping crime; it’s about creating a neighborhood you feel confident walking around in.

For more stories on home security and local crime updates, visit our Home Security category and stay informed about what’s happening in your area.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on official police reports, verified news sources, and publicly available data. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Always contact local authorities for guidance on safety or crime-related concerns.