Two Hayward Men Accused in American Canyon Burglary Allegedly Took Selfies During $100,000 Theft, Police Say

AMERICAN CANYON, CA — Two Bay Area men are accused of stealing more than $100,000 in tools, copper wire and vehicles during a burglary at a business in American Canyon, and investigators say the case took a strange turn when they found alleged selfies from inside the crime. Police say the burglary happened July 6 at a business in the 1100 block of Green Island Road.

American Canyon police said officers responded to the reported break-in and began tracking two vehicles believed to be tied to the theft. That lead quickly spread to nearby agencies, which helped identify and stop the suspects over the next two days.

How the arrests unfolded

Authorities said the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office stopped one of the vehicles on July 7 and detained the driver, identified as Daniel Lemas, 53, of Hayward. Police said evidence recovered during the investigation included photographs allegedly showing Lemas taking selfies while committing the burglary.

Lemas was arrested on burglary charges and booked into the Napa County Department of Corrections on multiple felony counts tied to the case.

Second driver detained

On July 8, the Hayward Police Department stopped a second vehicle linked to the burglary and detained the driver, identified as 49-year-old Dennis Tylij of Hayward. American Canyon officers then arrested Tylij, who was booked into the Napa County Department of Corrections on a felony conspiracy charge.

Police have not released additional details about the role each man is accused of playing beyond their alleged connection to the burglary and stolen property.

Search warrant finds stolen goods

Investigators later served a search warrant at a home in the 3200 block of Arden Road in Hayward. Police said they recovered some of the stolen property there, helping close the loop on at least part of the reported losses.

The recovered items were tied to the same burglary that investigators say involved tools, copper wire and vehicles taken from the American Canyon business.

Custody status now

According to The California Post, Lemas has posted $25,000 bail and has been released from custody. Tylij remains jailed as the case moves forward.

Police have not said whether additional charges are expected, and the investigation remains active.

TNSO covers California, Nevada, and Arizona as the story unfolds.