Full Notification

This morning, about 5:30 AM, officers were dispatched to a wheel theft in progress from a newer Honda in the 2100 block of Benedict Drive.  Officers arrived as the theft was still in progress and the suspect ran upon police arriving on scene.  An officer tried to apprehend the suspect, but the suspect entered a waiting vehicle and fled.  The fleeing suspect vehicle collided into a parked car and the officer had to jump out of the way to avoid being struck by the fleeing suspect.

Officers pursued the suspect vehicle south on Benedict Drive until it crashed into the hillside near Kindrid Hospital in the 2800 block of Benedict Drive.  One suspect was immediately taken into custody at the vehicle and one suspect fled up the hill into unincorporated San Leandro.

A perimeter was setup with the assistance of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol.  The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office sent their air support unit with three (3) drones.  After an extensive search of the hillside and yards, a police canine tracked down suspect foot prints suggesting he made it out of the perimeter along the freeway.

The suspect vehicle was a black Mercedes sports utility vehicle and was reported stolen in October, but was displaying paper dealer plates.  This suspect vehicle was seen at two prior wheel thefts in San Leandro over the past few months.  Officers located eight (8) additional tires and wheels inside the suspect vehicle suggesting there were two (2) additional victim vehicles having yet to be identified.

"This could have ended with tragic results had the officer not been able to move out of the way of the fleeing suspect vehicle," said Lieutenant Ron Clark.  "More and more frequently we are seeing suspects that have a wanton disregard for public safety as they focus on getting away from the police."

Investigators are requesting a phone call from anyone having their tires and rims stolen last night.  

The case agent is Detective Vincent and he can be reached by email [email protected] or voicemail 510-577-3234.