Full Notification

On October 27^th, detectives arrested a suspect in connection with a catalytic converter theft where a suspect fired a handgun at a person.
 
On October 6^th shortly before 6 am, two suspects stole a catalytic converter from a vehicle parked on the 500 block of Spruce Street.  About 5-10 minutes later, another catalytic converter theft occurred on the 2300 block of Oak Street during which a suspect fired a gun at a witness.  From security video footage in the area, detectives were able to identify the vehicle used by the suspects as a vehicle stolen from San Francisco.  When the stolen vehicle was later found abandoned in the City of Oakland, detectives found ammunition, ski masks and saw blades.
 
After additional investigation, officers were able to develop a suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest.
 
On the morning of October 27^th, detectives tracked the suspect to a motel in the City of Oakland.  When the suspect walked out to the vehicle he had been using (another stolen vehicle), officers moved-in to arrest him.  The suspect saw the officers approaching and ran away—tossing a backpack that he was carrying.  Officers caught-up with the suspect soon after and arrested him.
 
When officers later searched the backpack the suspect had discarded, they found a loaded un-serialized handgun (AKA ghost gun), a small quantity of methamphetamine, and keys to the stolen vehicle.  When officers searched the motel room, they found ammunition, a reciprocating saw, additional saw blades and three vehicle jacks.
 
On October 31^st, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office charged the suspect (a 28-year-old man) with PC 487(a)—grand theft (two counts),  PC 29800(a)(1)—felon in possession of a firearm, PC 30305(a)(1)—prohibited person in possession of ammunition as well as several criminal enhancements.
 
This case is an example of how quality security footage can be used to aid in criminal investigations.  If you have not considered it before, we encourage the community to consider adding a good camera system for their home or neighborhood and we invite you to add your system to our registry.