Full Notification

This week, the Alameda County District Attorney's office charged an adult male and female with a residential burglary that occurred in San Leandro. The pair, 21 yr-old Oakland resident Gerardo Ortega and his girlfriend, 20 yr-old Oakland resident Jennifer Martinez were taken into custody last Friday by San Leandro police officers. 

The incident occurred on Friday, August 17th around 9:30 am in the 1200 block of Castro Street in San Leandro. SLPD officers were dispatched to a home in the neighborhood after receiving a call of an "interrupted" burglary by witnesses. 

Once Officers arrived, Ortega was seen fleeing from the house as witnesses pointed to the suspect. Officers attempted to chase after Ortega on foot; however, he reached his waiting vehicle and was able to drive away. 

Other incoming officers attempted to stop Ortega, and his girlfriend passenger who was the "lookout," but he failed to stop and led police on a high-speed chase. Officers pursued Ortega as he drove recklessly, violating several traffic laws and further endangering the public. Officers immediately canceled the pursuit and allowed Ortega to flee due to public safety concerns. 

Minutes later, as officers were circling the area, Ortega's vehicle was located at the scene of a traffic collision in Oakland. Witnesses stated that Ortega and his girlfriend Martinez ran into a nearby motel. After a brief search, both Ortega and Martinez were located and detained. 

"We are thankful that no one was seriously injured as a result of Ortega's careless driving," said San Leandro Police Lieutenant Isaac Benabou. "These individuals needed to be caught, however, the concern for public safety will always outweigh the want of a property crime suspect. The decision by our officers to cancel the pursuit in these circumstances is appropriate and encouraged." 

Gerardo Ortega is a California Department of Corrections parolee, and his movements are monitored by an electronic ankle bracelet. Officers discovered that Ortega cut and removed his monitor which is a violation of his parole. In addition to the burglary charge, Ortega was charged with felony evading and other felony enhancements.