PALO ALTO, CA – Police arrested a suspect who was a fare in a rideshare vehicle after he battered the driver and vandalized and attempted to steal the vehicle. On Friday, June 12, 2020, at around 7:00 p.m., our 24-hour dispatch center received a report of a disturbance in the 3900 block of Fabian Way. The preliminary investigation revealed that the male victim, who drives for Uber and is in his twenties, picked up a fare in San Francisco who wanted a ride to San Jose. During the ride, the suspect demanded to be dropped off in Redwood City. The victim exited the freeway, stopped the vehicle in the 3900 block of Fabian Way and explained to the suspect he needed to get another Uber. The suspect began hitting the victim in the back of his shoulder which prompted the victim to exit the vehicle out of fear for his own safety. The suspect then exited the rear passenger seat and forced his way into the driver’s seat. The victim attempted to stop him. During the struggle, the suspect started stepping on the accelerator. The victim agreed to drive the suspect again, but instead called 9-1-1. The suspect who exited the vehicle became agitated upon hearing the call and then started banging on the vehicle’s window and damaged the passenger’s side mirror. He fled from the scene on foot. Police arrived shortly after and located the suspect on Fabian Way. They investigated and arrested him without incident. The victim sustained minor injuries and declined medical attention. Officers booked 33-year-old George August Bjurberg of Belmont into the Santa Clara County Main Jail for attempted carjacking (felony), battery, and vandalism (misdemeanor). Police also booked Bjurberg for an outstanding warrant for theft (misdemeanor) out of San Mateo County. His booking photo is attached to this news release (note: the booking photo has been removed pursuant to AB994 as of December 2023). Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call our 24-hour dispatch center at 650-329-2413. Anonymous tips can be e-mailed to [email protected] or sent via text message or voicemail to 650-383-8984. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through our free mobile app, downloadable at www.bit.ly/PAPD-AppStore or www.bit.ly/PAPD-GooglePlay.
