Two Hayward men were arrested after authorities say “burglary selfies” tied them to a July 6 break-in at a business in American Canyon. Officers responded to reports of a burglary in the 1100 block of Green Island Road on July 6 and later linked photographic material and vehicle descriptions from the scene to suspects in Hayward.
Police say the theft included tools, copper wire and vehicles valued at roughly $100,000. Investigators recovered digital evidence and shared identifying information with neighboring agencies, prompting traffic stops and searches that led to arrests.
What happened in American Canyon
American Canyon officers responded to a reported burglary on July 6 at a business on the 1100 block of Green Island Road. On-scene checks and evidence collection led investigators to review on-site surveillance and other digital files recovered during the response.
Authorities say the initial loss included a substantial quantity of tools, lengths of copper wire and at least one vehicle tied to the suspects. Detectives began canvassing footage and circulating vehicle descriptions to allied agencies.
How “burglary selfies” and tips led investigators to suspects
Investigators located photographs—described by law enforcement as selfies taken during the incident—that appeared to show individuals at or near the burglary scene. Those images, together with surveillance video and vehicle descriptions, were shared with neighboring agencies to help identify people and cars connected to the case.
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office stopped one vehicle based on that information and detained the driver. Follow-up tips and interagency coordination helped investigators match faces and vehicles from the digital evidence to residents in Hayward.
Arrests, charges and custody status
Authorities detained two men from Hayward in connection with the investigation.
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle and detained 53-year-old Daniel Lemas of Hayward. Police say photographic evidence helped prompt his arrest; Lemas was booked on multiple felony charges related to the burglary and taken to the Napa County Department of Corrections.
On July 8, the Hayward Police Department stopped a second vehicle and detained 49-year-old Dennis Tylij of Hayward. American Canyon officers arrested Tylij, who was booked on a felony conspiracy charge and remanded to the Napa County jail.
An outside outlet, The California Post, reported that Lemas posted $25,000 bail and was released while Tylij remained in custody. That bail report is attributed to The California Post and has not been independently confirmed by the arresting agencies or in their public releases; the bail information should be considered unverified until corroborated by official sources.
Recovered property and search warrant results
Investigators executed a search warrant at a Hayward residence on the 3200 block of Arden Road. Authorities say some stolen items were recovered during that search, including tools and lengths of copper wire. Officials are cataloging seized property and working to identify additional victims and any remaining missing items.
The investigation remains active as detectives process evidence and seek to determine the full scope of the alleged thefts.
Local impact and prevention tips for businesses
Tools and copper wire theft can be costly for local contractors and small businesses, causing replacement expenses and work delays. Business owners should secure valuable equipment in locked, anchored storage; use visible lighting and signage; and maintain functioning security cameras.
Preserve any surveillance footage off-site as soon as possible after a theft is discovered. Quick preservation of digital evidence — video, photos, and timestamps — helps investigators link vehicle descriptions or images to suspects and improves chances of recovery.
Source attribution and legal caveats
This article is based on statements from the American Canyon Police Department and reporting by Fox News. Agencies involved in the investigation include the American Canyon Police Department, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and the Hayward Police Department. Both detained suspects were booked into the Napa County Department of Corrections.
Allegations in this report are claims made by law enforcement and have not been proven in court. The report that one defendant posted $25,000 bail and was released is attributed to The California Post and remains unverified by the arresting agencies’ public releases.
Original reporting on the arrests is available here: Fox News — California men accused of $100K burglary allegedly took selfies.
Frequently asked questions
What are “burglary selfies” and how did police use them?
“Burglary selfies” refers to photographs authorities say were taken by suspects during the burglary. Investigators used those images alongside surveillance video and vehicle descriptions to share identifying information with neighboring agencies and to match suspects during traffic stops.
What charges do the suspects face and where were they booked?
Police say Daniel Lemas was booked on multiple felony burglary-related charges and Dennis Tylij was booked on a felony conspiracy charge. Both were processed at the Napa County Department of Corrections.
How can local businesses prevent tool and copper wire theft?
Owners should lock tools in secure, anchored storage; mark and photograph valuable items; install and maintain lighting and cameras; and report suspicious activity promptly. Early preservation of footage and records assists law enforcement in investigating and recovering property.
