San Bruno police responded quickly Tuesday afternoon after someone reported illegal dumping along Skyline Boulevard, right across from the scenic San Andreas Trail — a popular spot for walkers, joggers, and cyclists on the city’s western edge.
The call came in at around 12:15 p.m., when the San Bruno Police Communications Center received a report of a large red truck seen dumping trash in the area.
Quick Action Leads to Fast Results
By the time officers arrived at the scene, the truck was already gone. But the investigation didn’t stop there. Thanks to Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology, Sergeant Page was able to identify and track down the vehicle involved shortly after it fled the area.
Officer Calderon made contact with the suspected driver — a 53-year-old man from East Palo Alto. The suspect was issued a citation, and police required him to return to the site and clean up the trash himself, helping to restore the area near the trail.
Enforcement With a Message
The San Bruno Police Department shared an update with the community shortly after the incident was resolved. Their message was clear and direct:
“Illegal Dumping = Immediate Clean-Up Duty ”
They also added a tongue-in-cheek note:
“While we’re not garbage collectors, we are pretty good at finding out who left the mess behind.”
Teamwork Between Police and Public
Police credited the successful outcome to fast action from both the community and officers. In a statement, they said:
“We want to sincerely thank the community for reporting this incident as it was happening — real-time information makes a difference.”
The department also praised Sergeant Page and Officer Calderon for their efforts, calling it:
“Great work… for turning a pile of trash into accountability.”
A Clear Reminder
This incident serves as a reminder that illegal dumping won’t be ignored, especially in places like Skyline Boulevard and the San Andreas Trail, which are valued for their natural beauty and recreational use.
San Bruno police say they’ll continue to take swift action — and they encourage the public to keep reporting suspicious activity when they see it.
