Crime & Safety
Police Log: Infestation of 'Snake Control' Burglars; Thug Tries Yanking Necklace from Grandma's Neck
Stick-up arrests, DUI checkpoint and more from Aug. 22 to 28.
The following is a summary of significant crime and incidents reported in Fremont between Aug. 22 and 28 as released by the Fremont Police Department.
Wednesday, Aug. 28
Wednesday, Aug. 28
- Sketch released of suspected burglar posing as animal control worker. More here.
- Cops handle confused, intoxicated "mugging victim." A 3:45 a.m. a man reported being robbed of his wallet and cell at Carol Ave and Thurston Street. Officers met the caller, who was intoxicated and staggering, and who claimed he had a physical altercation with several men and women whom he could not fully identify. Possible suspects were detained at Blacow Road and Sherwood Street, but the man declined to press charges or identify them. As officers were releasing the detainees, the “victim,” now a block away, calls 911 again, stating the suspects had just robbed him of his wallet. Knowing this wasn't possible, officers walk to the victim, who is now speaking to the cops from down on the sidewalk -- with his wallet laying 40 feet away. The man asked for a ride home, telling officers they have an obligation to protect and serve him -- with a ride. They arrested him for public intoxication and provided him a ride to Fremont Jail.
- Phony animal control officers strike. A Terra Cotta Circle resident reported his home was burglarized Aug. 24 by suspects posing as animal control officers, which brings such incidents to two similar burglaries and one attempt in areas of Niles, Canyon Heights, Kimber, Mission View and Cherry-Guardino. The suspects drive a grey or silver Land Rover. The female is white or Hispanic, with an accent, 5’ to 5’3”, medium/heavy build, wearing a khaki or green uniform-like outfit and hat. Two male suspects are described as Hispanic, 35 to 40 years old, wearing uniform-like clothing. Call police at 510-790-6800 and select option 3 if you have information to help identify these suspects.
- School break-ins. Two burglaries and two cases of vandalism of classrooms at Thornton Junior High School were reported. No details available.
Auto vandalism. Vehicle windows were broken on several cars in the Gable Drive and Woodview Terrace areas. Victims can file reports online at www.fremontpolice.org.
Monday, Aug. 26
- Brandishing a chain saw? A citizen reported that a male in a white pickup truck brandished a chain saw at another man along 47800 Warm Springs Boulevard. A witness led officers to a 27-year-old, who admitted having the saw, but wasn’t threatening anyone. No victim was located.
- Another attempted necklace grab. A woman in Lake Arrowhead area told police she was walking with her grandchildren on the walkway from Alvarado Boulevard and Jenkinson Way when a man attempted to rip her gold chain from her neck. The suspect was described as a black adult between 20 and 25 years old, 5'4" to 5'6", dark complexion, very thin build, and wearing a black T-shirt and blue baggy jeans. A black sedan was seen in the area. The incident was reported to authorities on Monday. Similar incidents were reported July 26, and Aug. 6 and Aug. 10.
- House burglarized when another fake city worker arrives. A resident on the 38000 block of Moore Drive told police that on Saturday a female wearing official uniform-type clothing claimed to be with City of Fremont Animal Control and that she was looking for poisonous snakes. The "city worker" said she needed to look around the house and take measurements in the back yard. All residents from the home followed her into the back yard, while an unknown suspect stole jewelry from inside the house.
- DUI checkpoint held. Details.
- Another "snake infestation" burglary attempt. Residents on Slayton Street said a female posing as animal control came to their home regarding a snake infestation and asked them to gather in the backyard to measure for snake traps. The homeowner told her to return the next day. The suspects did not return, no loss reported.
- Mail thefts. A string of thefts from mail boxes was reported along the the 41200 block of Trenouth Street.
- Three arrested in Fremont McDonald’s armed robbery. Masked gunmen shoved workers at a Fremont McDonald's into a walk-in refrigerator. Story here.
- Five officers subdue alleged LSD-fueled robber. The suspect attempted to steal a cell phone from a victim before fighting a police officer near Paseo Padre Parkway and Isherwood Way. Story here.
- Update on 2012 armed robbery at Motel 6. A Milpitas man, 18, entered a no-contest plea to one count of robbery stemming from a Sept. 27, 2012 incident at Motel 6 where a female, 24, was robbed at gunpoint of her phone and cash. Sentencing is late September.
- Man carries butcher knife into Thornton Avenue hardware store. A man was placed on a psychiatric hold after walking into Dale Hardware with a large butcher knife. A Fremont firefighter, at the scene and in uniform, convinced the individual to put down the knife. He complied and was taken for mental evaluation.
- Union City police warn against burglars posing as city employees. Story here.
- Man convicted in deadly SUV rampage sentenced to mental hospital. Omeed Popal, 36, pleaded guilty last month to first-degree murder after killing a pedestrian in Fremont and running down numerous others in San Francisco in 2006. More here.
- Man passes away on bench. Officers responding to reports of an unresponsive male laying on a bench near Starbucks at Civic Center Drive and Stevenson Boulevard, found a deceased local homeless individual. No unusual circumstances were logged, and Alameda County Coroner's Office took over the case.
- Psychiatric emergency. Relatives of a Lakes-area man reported he was suicidal and had texted them asking they call police and to tell cops that he had guns. The troubled male, who was unarmed, was located near Harvey Community Park and was transported for a psychiatric evaluation. He gave officers consent to search his residence for firearms, and four guns, including a high powered assault rifle, were recovered.
- Gang sweep. Fremont SWAT joined a multi-agency operation and served a warrant at 6 a.m. at a residence in the Blacow Road/Irvington area. The Oakland Police Department was the lead agency and further details can be found here.
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