Full Notification

Newark, California (Saturday, March 12, 2016)
On March 11, 2016 at 9:52 pm, the Newark Police Department (NPD) Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call reporting an armed robbery. A female employee reported an adult male, armed with a handgun, was inside the KFC Restaurant, located at 5724 Thornton Avenue, forcing another employee to open the register. The female caller continued to provide updated information to the dispatcher. NPD officers arrived on scene at 9:55 pm and saw a female employee inside the store with her hands in the air. The robber exited the store through the kitchen. A Newark police officer, who had arrived to the rear of the restaurant, saw the suspect leaving the restaurant through the rear kitchen door. The officer yelled at the robber to stop. The suspect turned towards the officer and pointed a black semi-automatic handgun at the officer. The officer fired one round striking the robber. The suspect ran southbound on St. Edwards Street, dropping property stolen in the robbery and the gun. After a short distance the suspect collapsed. NPD officers and Alameda County Fire Department paramedics immediately provided first aid to the suspect. Despite their efforts the suspect did not survive.

The armed robber has not yet been identified. Once the suspect is identified and his next of kin has been notified, the Alameda County Coroner’s Office will release the suspect’s name.

The officer who fired his weapon has been a police officer with the City of Newark for more than three years. He has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is following our department policy.

The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has been notified and is conducting an independent investigation into the incident. The Newark Police Department is also investigating the shooting with the assistance of the Alameda County Sheriff's Office.

Police are continuing to investigate this incident. Please contact the Newark Police Department Investigations Unit Detective Sergeant David Higbee at (510) 578-4962 if you have any information regarding this incident. Information can also be left anonymously on the “Silent Witness” hotline at (510) 578-4965.

Commander Mike Carroll will be the point of contact for media inquiries. He can be reached at 510-578-4220 or via email at [email protected]