Full Notification

Newark, California (Friday, April 18, 2025)  

On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at approximately 7:59 AM, Newark Police Officers responded to a report of an individual who had brandished a firearm in the parking lot of Home Depot, located at 5401 Thornton Avenue in Newark.

Upon arrival, officers gathered information indicating that the suspect had stolen merchandise from the store.  A good Samaritan attempted to document the incident on video as the suspect loaded the stolen power tools into his getaway car. The suspect responded by threatening the witness with a handgun.

Fortunately, the community member was unharmed and provided officers with a description of both the suspect and the getaway vehicle.  Officers were able to identify the vehicle involved by utilizing investigative resources, including Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs).

The Southern Alameda County Major Crimes Task Force (SACMCTF), a unit dedicated to apprehending violent offenders, assisted in the investigation and successfully located the getaway vehicle in Oakland within hours.  SACMCTF Detectives safely apprehended the driver, identified as 34-year-old Samuel Grajales of Oakland.

Detectives recovered the stolen power tools from the vehicle, and Grajales was identified as the suspect in the theft and brandishing incident.  He was arrested on multiple criminal offenses, including outstanding arrest warrants.

The case has been referred to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office for review. Grajales has been formally charged with shoplifting and brandishing a firearm in public.

The Newark Police Department remains committed to delivering exceptional public safety services. We extend our sincere gratitude to the vigilant witness whose quick action helped lead to the swift apprehension of a dangerous individual.  We encourage everyone to remain observant and report any suspicious activity. Remember: if you see something, say something. Please consider your safety first, before attempting to confront or intervene with a suspect, and do not hesitate to call 911 when witnessing a crime.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Newark Police Acting Lieutenant Yama Homayoun at yama.homayoun@newarkca.gov or 510-578-4920. Anonymous tips may be left on the Anonymous Tip Hotline at 510-578-4965.

For media inquiries, please contact Community Engagement Manager Shobna Sharma at shobna.sharma@newarkca.gov or 510-578-4929.