On Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at 2:08 p.m., patrol officers were dispatched to Dick’s Sporting Goods in Pacific Commons on the report of an in-progress theft. Employees called dispatch as they were watching three individuals, two men and a woman, tamper with security sensors in the footwear department. The first patrol officer entered the store and attempted to stay out of sight while waiting for additional officers to arrive. The officer immediately observed two of the suspects at the front counter. A third suspect, later identified as 33 year old Joseph Fuimaono (Hayward resident), was observed walking towards the back of the store carrying a black and green backpack. Believing he was about to leave through an emergency exit, the officer got back in his patrol car and drove around to the side of the store.
After walking towards the back of the store, Fuimaono came back to the counter area and walked out the front doors. Arriving patrol officers saw Fuimaono as he exited. Fuimaono tried to avoid officers as he walked between cars in the parking lot. He then entered into the driver’s seat of a parked Acura sedan. Officers could see the passenger seat was occupied by a man and observed a physical confrontation taking place inside the vehicle. Officers approached the car and Fuimaono suddenly accelerated over the parking lot median and out onto the sidewalk. Having just witnessed a car-jacking/kidnapping, officers pursued the vehicle. As the vehicle slowed down to make a right turn onto Automall Parkway, the victim passenger managed to jump out.
Officers continued to pursue the vehicle for approximately 2 miles, but ultimately ended the pursuit, when Fuimaono began driving the wrong way. The victim’s iPhone, still in the car, assisted officers in tracking the vehicle through Fremont neighborhoods. They eventually found the phone in the middle of the roadway in the Sundale neighborhood and the Acura abandoned on Sundale Dr. near Sutter Dr.
A K9 tracking team led a search in the area, but Fuimaono was not found. Based on witness accounts, it was believed Fuimaono had been picked up by an unknown person shortly after he abandoned the car. The two suspects at Dick’s Sporting Goods were detained and arrested.
As the search continued, officers learned Fuimaono had two active felony warrants for weapons violations and felony DUI. Through investigative channels, officers eventually confirmed Fuimaono had made it to a residence in Oakland. Oakland Police responded at our request and arrested Fuimaono without incident.
During a search of the women’s restroom at Dick’s Sporting Goods, the black and green backpack that had been worn by Fuimaono was found. The backpack contained a loaded AK 47, a loaded AR 15, a hood and gloves.
Arrests:
Lisa Saefong (Richmond resident), 28 years old, arrested for burglary and vehicle theft
David Correa (Transient), 27 years old, arrested for identity theft, vehicle theft, possession of stolen property and three additional warrants.
Joseph Fuimaono, 33 years old, arrested for car-jacking, kidnapping during a carjacking and evading a police officer/driving without due regard of public safety.
We’d like to thank the Oakland Police Department for their assistance.
