Suspects arrested after woman hiding under bedsheets texts 911

SUNNYVALE » A woman who took advantage of new technology by texting 911 from under the covers of her bed while intruders were in her house brought about the arrests Tuesday of four people on suspicion of burglary, according to the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety.

At about 12:30 p.m., the woman texted 911 to report people burglarizing her home in the 1400 block of South Mary Avenue, according to police.

“She was giving us updates the whole time they were in the house,” Sunnyvale police Capt. Shawn Ahearn said. “We didn’t want her to give away her position.

‘ We communicated with her via text 911.”

The suspects took off before police arrived and stole property and a 2016 Tesla Model S, police said.

Sunnyvale officers located the unoccupied Tesla in North San Jose and conducted surveillance on the car. A short time later, a silver Audi dropped off two women near the Tesla. Once the women got into the Model S, they were detained by officers. The women were identified by police as Allison Martin, 23, and Raeanna Sagote, 21, both of San Jose.

The driver of the Audi, who fled before being contacted by officers, was identified as 23-year- old Marco Rodriguez of San Jose.

Sunnyvale police conducted surveillance at Rodriguez’s home in San Jose. When Rodriguez returned home he was detained, along with Alejandro Garcia, 23, of San Jose, both of whom were on parole for burglary, police said.

Property from the Sunnyvale burglary was found in Rodriguez’s vehicle, according to police.

All four suspects were arrested and booked into Santa Clara County jail on the following charges:

• Garcia: Conspiracy, burglary, possession of stolen property, parole violation, felony evading and theft of a vehicle.

• Martin: Conspiracy, burglary, probation violation, theft of a vehicle.

• Rodriguez: Conspiracy, burglary, parole violation, felony evading, theft of a vehicle.

• Sagote: Conspiracy, burglary, probation violation and theft of a vehicle.

In recent months several law enforcement agencies have unveiled text-to-911 capabilities, with more agencies planning to incorporate the technology in the coming months. The one message shared by Bay Area public safety agencies: Calling 911 is still the preferred way to get help during an emergency. But if calling is not an option, then send a text to 911.