Full Notification

04/16/15

The Newark Police were assisting Alameda County Sheriff’s Detectives with a recent burglary where a laptop belonging to Newark Jr. High School teacher had been stolen in Castro Valley. The teacher was able to remotely take a webcam photo of the suspect using his laptop which also showed a location near the intersection of Thornton Ave. and Mayhews Landing Rd. The photograph depicted the mouth and chin of a white male adult sitting on a sofa with a distinctive print pattern, wearing a white Nike shirt. A Fremont Police Detective was able to identify the suspect in that photograph as David Barnett (Age 42, of Newark).

Today, Alameda County Sheriff’s Detectives forwarded a “Be on the lookout” flyer from Atherton Police Department regarding 3 vehicle burglaries they had suffered from the previous day. A witness described a suspect matching Barnett’s description and provided a vehicle description (1999 Mercedes Benz CLK) that is registered to an address on Thornton Ave. A Newark detective contacted an Atherton Police Detective Sergeant and advised him of the possible association to Barnett. The Atherton Sergeant responded to the witness and showed a photo lineup resulting in a positive identification.

Barnett also had numerous outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrants for his arrest including a felony probation revocation.

Based upon the above information, the Newark Street Enforcement Team (S.E.T.) assembled a surveillance and takedown plan. After several hours of surveillance, a subject believed to be Barnett emerged from the driveway on a motorcycle. The motorcycle was followed eastbound on Thornton Ave, to the intersection of Thornton Ave, and Cedar Blvd. Based upon his numerous prior arrests for evading police, resisting arrest, felony domestic violence, and various drug offenses, we were concerned he would attempt to evade arrest on his motorcycle and subject the community to unnecessary risk. A Newark patrol officer used the shoulder of Thornton Ave. and made his way to the intersection where he turned on his lights and attempted to block Barnett in by pulling in front of him.

Barnett immediately turned his handlebars and hit the throttle, colliding with the rear quarter panel of the officer’s vehicle and then losing control and dropping the motorcycle. Barnett then fled on foot discarding a backpack, his helmet, and brass knuckles. Officers pursued Barnett on foot eastbound through the parking lot of Newark Square, where he actively resisted when contacted. Barnett was apprehended after an officer discharged his Taser.

During a search of his person, Barnett had a stack of stolen credit cards in his pocket, several which were used earlier at Newpark Mall for purchases in excess of $4000.00. A search of the backpack discarded during the foot pursuit yielded an Amazon Kindle stolen from an Atherton Burglary.

Barnett was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

An Atherton Police Sergeant and several of his officers responded for the follow up search at the Thornton Ave, location. During the search, the distinctive printed couch depicted in the webcam still image was located in the room and was photographed. Items purchased earlier at Newpark Mall with the stolen credit cards in Barnett’s pocket were recovered along with the same Nike shirt captured in the webcam still image.

Barnett was ultimately transported and booked into Santa Rita Jail.