UCPD “Police Blotter” Highlights – Week Ending March 29, 2015
HOMICIDE
On Friday, March 27th, around 11:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to The Spot bar on Alvarado Blvd. on reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers immediately began performing CPR and other life-saving measures on the victim, but the man succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses saw the suspect’s vehicle leave the scene, and it was spotted by Fremont police officers shortly thereafter. Fremont PD conducted a high-risk car stop on the vehicle and detained the two suspects. Gary Gates, 53, and Kenneth Young, 53 – both residents of East Palo Alto – were arrested for the murder. Detectives are continuing to interview witnesses and investigate leads in this case.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Armed Robberies
On Tuesday, March 24th, around 2:30 p.m., Ofc. Perry and Ofc. Yaeger were dispatched to JenJon’s Cafe (1704 Decoto Rd.) on the report of an armed robbery. A suspect (see photos) approached the front counter with a handgun, and said “Give me all the money.” An employee gave him a small amount of cash, and he and another suspect (possibly a lookout) fled on foot toward the BART station.
On Tuesday, March 24th, around 3:30 p.m., Ofc. Blanchard was dispatched to McDonald’s on Union Square Dr. on the report of an armed robbery. The suspect leaned in the open drive-through window, grabbed an employee by the shirt, pointed a handgun at him, and demanded money from the register. The employee emptied money from the register into the suspect’s backpack, and the suspect fled on foot toward the BART station. The suspect was described as a black male, 18-25 years old, 5’11” to 6’0” and 155-175 lbs.
Carjacking
On Thursday, March 26th, around 5 a.m., Ofc. Cota was dispatched to the 7-11 store on Alvarado-Niles Rd. on the report of a just-occurred carjacking. The victim pulled into 7-11 in his work truck to purchase an item. When he exited the business, he noticed the driver’s door was open and a subject was inside. Another suspect then approached the victim, simulated a weapon under his shirt, and demanded the keys to the truck. That suspect was described as a black male, 20-25 years old, 6’0” and 210 lbs., with short hair and no facial hair. The truck was recovered later that morning on Liston Way.
Burglary Tools
On Friday, March 27th, around 2:45 p.m., Ofc. Alberto and Ofc. DeJong contacted a known probationer in the 33300 block of 5th St. He was found in possession of a “shaved” key, which are commonly used by criminals to steal vehicles. Manuel Baca, a 36-year-old Union City resident, was arrested for possession of burglary tools and driving on a suspended license.
Assault with Deadly Weapon
On Saturday, March 28th, around 1 p.m., Ofc. Paul was dispatched to Seafood City on Alvarado Blvd. for the report of a battery. The suspect, who was upset with cell phone service, assaulted an employee of a cellular service provider that is located inside the grocery store. The suspect hit and “stabbed” at the victim with an umbrella. A 51-year-old male, Union City resident, was arrested.
BURGLARIES AND CAR THEFTS
RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY
From Monday, March 23rd through Sunday, March 29th, there was one reported residential burglary:
• 2500 block of Medallion Dr.: Occurred on Friday, March 27th, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:10 p.m. The method of entry and loss are unknown at this point.
COMMERCIAL BURGLARY
On Monday, March 23rd, around 9:45 a.m., Ofc. Solverson and Ofc. Leon were dispatched to the Peppertree Lounge on Whipple Rd. on the report of a commercial burglary. There were no signs of forced entry. The business was ransacked, and several items were taken. Detectives are continuing to follow up on leads in this case.
AUTO BURGLARIES AND VEHICLE THEFTS
From Monday, March 23rd through Sunday, March 29th, there was one reported auto burglary. A window was smashed and a laptop was taken from the back seat, where it was left in plain view. Safety Tip: As a reminder, never leave items of value inside your vehicle!
From Monday, March 23rd through Sunday, March 29th, there were five reported vehicle thefts. As of the time of this report, three of the vehicles have been recovered.
TAX SCAMS
Tax season is winding down, and tax scams are in full force. Aggressive phone calls from scam artists and fraudulent tax returns using stolen IDs are among some of the most common scams. Please see this link for the IRS’ 2015 “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Completes-the-Dirty-Dozen-Tax-Scams-for-2015
Anyone with information on local crime or any of the listed incidents should contact the Investigations Division at 510-675-5247. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the tips line by calling 510-675-5207 or email [email protected].
LET US KNOW HOW WE ARE DOING
We strive to provide excellent service to the community and are interested in hearing from members of the public about the quality of our service. Please share your experience and let us know how we’re doing. Visit http://www.ci.union-city.ca.us/departments/police-department to complete a Police Customer Satisfaction Survey.
EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHTS
In solidarity with the San Jose Police Department and peace officers across the nation, members of the UCPD will be attending Thursday’s memorial service for SJPD Officer Michael Johnson, who was killed in the line of duty on March 24th. Our hearts and prayers are with his family and colleagues.
