Full Notification

Sandra R. Spagnoli Chief of Police
901 East 14th Street, San Leandro CA 94577

PRESS RELEASE


DATE / TIME OF RELEASE: 4/10/2014 2:15 p.m.

INCIDENTS: Attempt robbery

PRESS RELEASE OFFICER: Lt. Richard DeCosta

TELEPHONE: (510) 577-3242

DATE / TIME OF INCIDENT: 4/9/2014 9:34 p.m.

ARREST LOCATION(S): 300 block of Davis Street, San Leandro

INVESTIGATING DETECTIVE(S): Sergeant T. Henderson

SUSPECT(S): VICKERY, Luke – 36 year old Oakland resident



On Wednesday, 4/9/2014, San Leandro Police Officers responded to Safeway, 1499 Washington Avenue, regarding a subject who brandished a handgun, threatening one of the store employees. With the help of employees inside the store, the officers were able to obtain a description of the suspect, who fled the store on a bike.

Minutes after the suspect description was broadcast, an officer spotted a subject within blocks of the store. This subject’s physical appearance and clothing matched what was provided by witnesses. The subject – identified as Luke Vickery – was detained by officers. Vickery was in possession of a replica handgun when he was detained and subsequently arrested.

The victim positively identified Vickery as the subject with the gun. According to the victim, Vickery was shoplifting inside Safeway, taking items from a display. When the victim confronted Vickery, Vickery lifted his shirt and exposed what appeared to be a handgun tucked in his waistband. The victim feared for his safety, so he backed away from Vickery. Vickery then fled the store on his bike.

Lieutenant DeCosta said, “The employees did the right thing by backing away from this subject and calling the police. Their immediate 9-1-1 call the San Leandro Police Department made this arrest possible. We are grateful that no one was injured during this incident.”

MEDIA UPDATES WILL BE MADE AS INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE

Please contact the San Leandro Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division with any information regarding this case at 510-577-3230 or contact the Anonymous Tip Line at 510-577-3278.

Citizens can also send an anonymous tip to San Leandro Police Department by texting the word SLPD and their tip to 847411. Anonymous web tips can be submitted from the Police Department’s website at http://www.sanleandro.org/depts/pd/at.asp\

For crime prevention tips please go to the Police Department’s website at http://www.sanleandro.org/depts/pd or contact our Crime Prevention Unit at 510-577-3228.
Citizens play a critical role in creating a safe environment by observing and reporting any suspicious and criminal activity to the Police. The San Leandro Police Department recommends that citizens do not participate in any direct verbal or physical involvement with suspicious persons or those who are committing crimes. The personal safety of the community is paramount. We encourage the San Leandro community to record the details of what they observe and to report those details to the Police. This type of community involvement and partnership has proven to be a very effective crime prevention tool. Citizens act as the eyes and ears of the community first, and the extended eyes and ears of the San Leandro Police Department. Thank you for being a force multiplier in our efforts to provide professional police services and safety to the community.