Crime Alert – Recent up-tick in chain snatch robberies, two of which have targeted parents picking up students from local neighborhood schools.
We are currently investigating six chain snatch robberies that have occurred in Fremont since the beginning of May. In each of these crimes, suspects have targeted community members wearing gold chain necklaces. Some of the incidents have turned violent, in which the victims have sustained injuries. Of the six crimes, we believe two are related, based on the fact that the suspects specifically targeted female victims walking in the area of elementary schools at or around pick-up time.
Detectives are releasing photographs from an incident that occurred on May 8 in an effort to try and identify the suspect, as well as to alert community members to be aware of their surroundings. This is a summary of the six incidents we are actively investigating.
May 4 – At 10:20 a.m. a female victim was out for a walk with her husband in the 32700 block of Lake Mead Dr. While they were walking, an unknown suspect ran up from behind and ripped a gold chain from her neck. The suspect was described as a white male adult, 30-35 years old, 6'0", with a medium build. He was wearing a white T-shirt, blue jeans, and a white cap.
May 6, 2018 – At 4:39 p.m. a suspect approached a female victim while she was pumping gas in the 39900 block of Fremont Blvd. The suspect approached the victim and attempted to pull a gold necklace from her neck. As the victim tried to hold on to her necklace, the suspect pulled her through the gas station until the victim fell to the ground. He then reached down to grab the necklace and struck her in the face causing serious injuries. High quality video was obtained from the gas station and detectives are actively investigating this case. The video is not being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
May 7, 2018 – At 6:10 p.m. a female reported that while completing a private party sales transaction through Facebook messenger, a suspect robbed her of her gold chain when she answered the door at her residence in the 36600 block of Fremont Blvd. The suspect was described as a dark skinned South Asian Indian male, wearing a black baseball cap and wearing black clothing. There are no active leads in this case.
May 8, 2018 – At 1:40 p.m. an unknown suspect (photos attached) robbed an adult female of her gold chain in the 4100 block of Alder Ave, near Oliveira Elementary School. The incident was caught on private video surveillance. During the incident, the victim is pulled to the ground and sustains scratches, bruises and other injuries to her body due to the violence inflicted by the suspect. The suspect is described as a black male adult in his 20’s, 5’8” – 5’10”, think build, wearing a black baseball hat, grey hooded zip-up sweatshirt over black shirt, light grey sweatpants, black and white Jordan shoes.
May 11, 2018 – At 7:29 p.m., a victim leaving a grocery store in the 39100 block of Argonaut was robbed of her gold chain. The suspects were described as black male adult with a dark complexion, 20 years old, 5'7", thin build, last seen wearing a black hoodie with a Nike logo across the front, faded light blue jeans and black high top shoes. A female associate was described as a black female with a dark complexion, 20 years old, 5'2", medium build, with black hair in a high bun, last seen wearing a black hoodie, faded blue jeans, tan shoes and was carrying a multi-color backpack.
May 16, 2018 - At 1:40 p.m., a female victim was pushing a baby stroller and walking her juvenile child home from Patterson Elementary School. An unknown male suspect approached the victim in the area of Gibraltar Dr. near the intersection of Cabrillo Drive. The suspect pushed the victim onto the ground and held her down as he pulled a gold chain off her neck. The victim sustained scratches and lacerations during the incident. A crossing guard came to her aide and the suspect ran to a vehicle (silver or grey 4-door sedan) parked nearby. The car took off at a high rate of speed. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male adult, early twenty, 5'08"- 5'11", short black hair, mustache, wearing a dark green jacket and blue jeans.
In an effort to help further protect our community, Fremont Detectives would like to stress the importance of personal safety and have the following tips to share:
- When walking outdoors, don't carry large quantities of money or wear expensive jewelry. Even if your necklace is concealed, it may still be possible for a suspect to see the shimmer from your neckline.
- Don’t be distracted while talking on your cell phone or listening to music on your headphones.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention and take notice of people following behind you, watching you from their vehicle as you walk or shoulder surfing you at a bank or retail establishment.
- Always be alert in your neighborhood. Report unknown persons and vehicles that appear suspicious or that don’t belong to the area. If you notice a suspicious vehicle, try to get the license plate and a good description of the car and driver. Always call the police before sharing the information with your neighbors.
- When shopping at night, always park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- When leaving a mall or retailer be alert and make sure no one is following you to your car. If you don't feel comfortable walking out to your car alone, ask to see if a security guard is available to escort you.
Report suspicious persons and vehicles by calling 510-790-6800 x 3 or 911 for a crime in progress.
Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to please contact Crimes Against Persons Detective Brent Butcher at
[email protected] or call 510-790-6900. We will also accept anonymous tips. Text TIP FREMONTPD followed by your message to 888-777, or via the web at
https://local.nixle.com/tip/alert/6216337.
