San Rafael, CA - On 12/26/18, at 9:17 PM, the San Rafael Police Department responded to the Home Depot parking lot, 111 Shoreline Parkway, on a report of a carjacking that had just occurred. 

Officers contacted the victim who stated that she was approached by a Hispanic male adult, 5’-06” to 5’-07”, 170 pounds, last seen wearing a white t-shirt and khaki or light-yellow pants. 

The suspect motioned underneath his shirt, to the victim, as if he had a weapon or gun and then threatened to kill the victim.  The suspect demanded the victim’s car keys.  Once the suspect took the keys from the victim, he stole her car and fled the scene.  The victim was not injured.

The vehicle taken was a silver Toyota Rav4 sport utility vehicle with California license plate number “6STZ502”. 

While investigating the carjacking, the San Rafael Police Department was informed of an escape from the San Quentin State Prison.  The escaped prisoner, Shalom Mendoza, a Hispanic male adult, about 5’-05”, 170 pounds, was a part of a work crew at the prison.  Mendoza was last accounted for at 5:55 PM. 

Due to the similar description and proximity, officers are investigating and working to determine if Shalom Mendoza is the same suspect who committed the carjacking from the Home Depot parking lot.  Home Depot is located just under 1 mile from the San Quentin Prison. 

For further information regarding the San Quentin State Prison escape, please contact the San Quentin State Prison. 

SRPD is asking that if anyone sees the vehicle from this incident, or the escaped prisoner Shalom Mendoza, that they immediately call 9-1-1 and keep their distance as the suspect may be armed and dangerous.