Fremont Covid-19 Slowly Climb to 101

Five days ago we stood at 96.  Now only one case a day has been added (on average) to 101, according to stats through April 29.  With increased testing this is pretty amazing.  Sure there are many cases that are undetected, but an increase of 5 seems like nothing.  The sheltering in place has been quite effective in Fremont, it would appear.

Stolen Vehicle Arrest at the Hub

A license plate reader camera on Mowry by 880 picked up a stolen car heading east on Mowry just before noon today.  An alert officer got behind it on Mowry and followed it into the Hub where it parked in front of CVS.  The two occupants were taken into custody in short order.  Kinda wonder if the bad guys were thinking a committing a crime at CVS. 

Police Mum On Lucky's Homicide (updated)

Three weeks after a 32 year old man was shot in broad daylight in s supermarket parking lot officials have not released any additional information.  For starters the name of the victim, Anthony Garza, has not been officially released by FPD.  Most police agencies would release (and may be required by law) the victim's name soon after the next of kin have been notified.  Fremont seems to follow a different policy.  No updates from detectives as to how the investigation is going.  There were many witnesses to the shooting along with video footage from several cameras.  While this appears to be a targeted hit and not a random killing, the public deserves timely updates.

***  A comment below indicates that this may not have been a targeted killing.  More reason now for FPD to be out front about this.  Could happen again.

Update on Palomares Road Shooting

The East Bay Times has a story out on this shooting from yesterday.  The story says there was a pursuit and this is not correct, according to radio traffic.  The suspect's car was not "lit up" until turning onto Decoto Road and it then pulled over.  ACSO says the home owner shot at the vehicle as the driver was attempting to run him over and apparently not as it was fleeing the scene. 

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2020/04/29/burglars-evade-gunfire-from-sunol-homeowner-but-not-arrest/

Palomares Canyon Homeowner Shoots at Fleeing Suspects

A homeowner on Palomares Canyon Road interrupted an auto burglary and then shot at the suspects car as they fled, striking the rear window.  One suspect was left at the scene, a small skinny female, who "took off into the hills".  An observant sheriff's deputy who was cruising along Niles Canyon Road near Sunol picked up the suspect vehicle west of Palomares Canyon Road.  Fremont Police were notified to assist and numerous cars could be heard rolling code 3 down Mission Blvd.  The deputy continued to follow the suspect vehicle as it turned north on Mission Blvd around 11:32 this morning.  FPD officers caught up with the pair as they approached Decoto Road in Union City.  After making the turn on to westbound Decoto, the deputy along with five Fremont officers "lit" up the car and it yielded.  In short order a male and female were detained.  The status of the female suspect left at the scene is unknown at this time, but a large search party was forming in the noon hour.

Update:  They now believe there is no outstanding suspect.  The woman in the passenger seat matches the description of the one that fled.  I guess the driver picked her up shortly after leaving and being shot at.  Also, deputies found a bullet hole in the passenger seat of the suspect vehicle, but the woman was not hit. 

Two Structure Fires in Centerville in 13 Hours

FFD is on scene to the second of two fires in the downtown Centerville District at this time.  Numerous people called 9-1-1 to report heavy black smoke coming from behind a building on Peralta near Fremont Blvd.  To the rear of a building a car was engulfed in flames and smoke which spread to an abandoned building.  From radio traffic it appears both the vehicle and building were abandoned.  At 12:25 this morning, some 13 hours earlier, FFD responded to an abandoned building fire on Fremont Blvd near Peralta.  Here is a tweet from the FD:

4h
On Tuesday, 4/28 at 12:25 AM, #FremontFirefighters responded to a fire in a vacant commercial building at 37438 Fremont Blvd. The one alarm fire was contained to the building of origin and extinguished within 20 min. No injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.⁣

Fremont Fire Department  @FremontFire
VIDEO: At 1:24 PM #FremontFirefighters responded to a vehicle fire that extended into a vacant building at 3812 Peralta Blvd. The one-alarm fire was extinguished within 10 minutes. No reports of injuries. The cause is under investigation. @IAFFLocal1689

Naked Man in Warm Springs

A transient who was sleeping in a grassy area across from Bob's Foam Factory in Warm Springs has removed his clothes.  All of them.  Officers are on the way in an effort to prevent sunburn.

Weekend Arrests Related to Cherryland Shooting

Two men arrested over the weekend by sheriff deputies are apparently linked to the shooting of an occupied dwelling on Meekland Avenue, north of the Hayward city limits,  early on April 15th.  The suspects were arrested for attempted murder, among other charges.   Here is a link to the one and only EBT story of the shooting:

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2020/04/20/alameda-county-deputies-exposed-to-coronavirus-responding-to-hayward-area-shooting/

Sheriff Arrests Two For Attempted Murder

Two men in their 20s were arrested by Alameda County Sheriff's Deputies over the weekend, according to online arrest records.  One was a 21 year old Castro Valley man and the other a 27 year old Hayward man.  Neither one of them had a prior arrest record in California.  No press release has been issued to date, so not sure which homicide case these are related to.

Car Talk Puzzler

Since this is somewhat law enforcement related, I'll post this puzzler for your consumption.  The answer will not be out until next Monday.  So far, the answer is not obvious to me.

The High-Speed Chase

RAY: This puzzler was submitted by Chuck Leyderer, who writes:

Sergeant O'Malley and his rookie assistant Ned are just pulling out of the local donut shop. They get a call on the radio that the town north of them has had a bank robbery. The suspects are proceeding south, and it's a high-speed chase.

The chase has been going on for 40 minutes, and the radio says O'Malley and Ned should be on the lookout for a yellow Mustang with two men in the front seat and a woman in the back.

Just at that moment, they happen to see a yellow Mustang with two guys in the front and a woman in the back. Sargent O'Malley says, "That's the car, Ned! Flip on the siren, and let's get 'em!"

Ned, who's been studying the back of the car, says, "I don't think so, Sarge. It's not them."

What did Ned see?

Officers Not Being Dispatched To School Alarms

As you may know, many years ago the city of Fremont changed their alarm response policy.  The new policy stated that only verified alarms would dictate a police response.  That is, there needed to be live video showing someone in the building (or audio) or a witness observing someone going through a window, entering a yard, etc.  While both FPD and FUSD acknowledge a huge increase in burglaries and vandalism to Fremont schools, their alarm response policy has not been adjusted.  Monitoring the dispatcher in recent weeks, school district alarms continue to be dispatched as information to officers, and not an assignment to respond.  On occasion officers will respond on their own as they did a few weeks ago at Warwick Elementary.   FPD appears to be still operating on a 12 hour "tactical" schedule, thus allowing for  plenty of officers to be available to respond to alarm calls.

Stabbing Near The Hub

A family dispute has led to a stabbing in a residence off of Walnut by the Hub.  Officers and paramedics are on scene.  The victim is conscious and talking.  The suspect called dispatch to report what he did.  Several people are being detained.

Police Activity in Vallejo Mill Neighborhood

The SWAT team is active in the Vallejo Mill School neighborhood.  This is a domestic violence call with a handgun involved.  Apparently a man has threatened a woman with a gun.  She was able to leave the house.  The man is believed to still be in the house alone.  Officers are tying to get him to come out.
Update:  The suspect has exited the house and is now detained in cuffs (at 6:36 pm).  No injuries to anyone that I am aware of.

Helicopter Activity

A helo was observed flying low in the Niles area around 3 this afternoon.  After checking a flight tracking site and researching the tail number of the copter, this appears to be a pipeline patrol operation.  This was probably a PGE contract flight to check natural gas pipelines.  These copters 
have sophisticated gear to detect pipeline leaks.  The copter is based out of Livermore Airport.

Covid Update- 96 in Fremont

Through April 24 the Alameda County Health people are reporting 96 confirmed cases in Fremont.  As you probably know, the virus has been spreading for sometime here and the 96 number is probably very low.  Thanks to a reliable source, here is the latest web address for the county info:

https://ac-hcsa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/1e0ac4385cbe4cc1bffe2cf7f8e7f0d9

Crazy Woman Keeps Cops Busy

A mentally ill transient woman showed up inside of Devout Coffee on Niles Blvd this morning.  The business was closed on the inside, but she made her way in anyway.  In addition to causing a disturbance there, she urinated on the floor.  Officers arrived, took her to the Fremont jail, and apparently issued a citation and released her.  Unfortunately Alameda County and the State of California have not funded or figured out what to do with mentally ill citizens on the street that cannot care for themselves.  So...a few hours later she shows up at Smart and Final on Walnut.  Employees observed her trying to steal some items, a bottle of water I believe, and stopped her.  She responded by throwing a chair at them and then left on foot.  Officers arrived and a witness pointed out an area on Liberty where she was hiding in the bushes.  She was located but it is unknown if she was taken to Fremont jail, Santa Rita or neither.  And this is just one example playing out across the state hourly.

Note:  A reliable source (OK, my sister in law) has informed me that the woman peed in a big gulp cup and then tipped it over on to the floor intentionally.  I believe she was cited for 594PC, malicious mischief, which may have been this and something else she did there as well. 

Yaris Outruns CHP - Fremont Stolen Car

A delivery man had his blue Toyota Yaris stolen from a north Fremont Blvd location this morning.   Fortunately he left his phone in the car and was able to track the location of the vehicle.  Eventually Fremont officers located the vehicle north on 880 at Tennyson Road in Hayward.  The vehicle initially pulled over to the shoulder, but then accelerated.  FPD did not pursue..pulled off the road, but CHP picked it up.  West on 92 they went with CHP trying to catch the Yaris that was now exceeding 110 mph!  A Yaris at 110!  As the pursuit crossed the San Mateo Bridge and entered Foster City, CHP officers lost sight of the stolen Yaris.  Meanwhile, Fremont officers were still off with the victim tracking the vehicle.  They noticed it had been stopped at a location for several minutes in the area east of 101 and north of 92.  A CHP aircraft was enroute to assist, but a CHP motor officer located the vehicle abandoned.  A witness said the suspect was observed walking away and changing shirts.  CHP officers flooded the area and eventually located and arrested the stolen car driver.   If you are expecting a package or food delivery, it may be delayed. 

Armored Truck On Fire at Chick-fil-A (Updated)

The fire department has asked FPD to assist at the scene of an armored truck fire in the parking lot of Chick-fil-A on Mowry.  Officers are needed to provided security.  It's not everyday that a truck loaded with money catches fire.
Photo from FFD Instagram.

From FFD:

Firefighters arrived to find a Loomis secure armored transport vehicle on fire in the rear parking lot of Chick-fil-A. The fire, located primarily in the vehicle’s engine compartment, was quickly extinguished. Due to the armored vehicle’s electronic entry system not being operational, crews forced entry into the vehicle to ensure Loomis personnel could safely off-load the unharmed monetary cargo to a replacement transport vehicle.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
One of the three Loomis employees assigned to the armored vehicle was treated at the scene for minor injuries (smoke inhalation) and released. There were no reports of injuries to Chick-fil-A patrons, employees, community members or firefighters. All of the businesses located near the rear parking area remained operational throughout the incident.⁣⁣

Police Activity in Niles Canyon (Updated)

Alameda County Sheriff deputies are searching an area about two miles in on Niles Canyon Road for a residential burglary suspect.  They have asked for assistance from FPD, including the K-9 unit.  The suspect was apparently fleeing from deputies but the location of the crime is unknown.  FPD is sending a drone as well.

From ACSO:

Alameda County Sheriff's Office
19 hrs ·

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS

Deputies were detailed to a burglary in progress on Niles Canyon Road in Sunol, CA.

Deputies spotted the suspect, Noorallah Kasir, running away from the scene up a steep hill. K9 “Queen” responded to the scene to assist and located the suspect after a lengthy track through challenging terrain.

K9 Queen apprehended the suspect and they both rolled over 100 yards down the hill. The suspect tried to fight K9 Queen but she would not let go. After an intense struggle with our K9, Kasir was taken into custody.

Kasir was treated at a local hospital for K9 bites and will recover. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail for burglary. He is currently out on bail for an alleged robbery in Hayward and is also on felony probation.

K9 Queen was taken to the vet after her tumble to make sure she was not injured. She was returned to full duty and we are grateful she is ok.

Sgt. Ray Kelly
Public Information Officer

Man Dies At Central Park

A man passed away in his vehicle parked outside the Senior Center on Paseo Padre this morning.  A citizen called FPD around 11:20 to report a man that appeared unconscious and not breathing in a vehicle.  An officer arrived a few minutes later and determined him to be deceased.  From radio traffic this does not seem to be a suspicious death.

First Known U.S. Covid-19 Fatality Worked in Fremont

You may have heard or read in the news that a Santa Clara County woman is now believed to be the first person in the U.S. to die from Covid-19.  The San Jose woman, Patricia "Trish" Dowd, worked at Lam Research here in Fremont, according to her obituary.  By all accounts, she was a wonderful woman.
A link to her obit here: https://www.cusimanocolonial.com/obituaries/Patricia---Trish-Cabello--Dowd?obId=11551175

A link to the L.A. Times story:  https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-04-22/coronavirus-first-known-fatality-us-california

Cool California Cop Cars

San Diego Sheriff's Office

Over the years, the sheriff's office's marked vehicles have sported unusual paint schemes. Originally in a traditional black and white, they transitioned to a pink-salmon color in the 1960s. From 1971 to 1991 the vehicles were painted kelly green-and-white which were the campaign colors of Sheriff John F. Duffy. When he retired the fleet was returned to the black-and-white color scheme and has remained so ever since. The department has also had a few all-white cars over the years, but these were for Traffic Enforcement and Volunteer Patrols only.

Today, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department utilizes the Ford Crown Victoria and Ford Explorer as their base models for their fleet. The Dodge Charger is the base model for SDSO Traffic Units.[

6 Shot, 1 Stabbed in 11 Days in Southern Alameda County

I may have missed a few, especially if law enforcement does not publish a news release.  Here is what I have so far:

April 8-  Anthony Garza shot and killed outside of Luckys on Mowry.

April 15- Two shot and wounded inside a home on Meekland Ave, in the unincorporated Cherryland district.

April 15-  Jackson Butler stabbed  and killed outside of a Pleasanton hotel. ** incorrectly reported here as a gun shot.

April 18-  Man shot and killed on Memorial Way in Hayward.

April 18-  Steven Taylor shot and killed by a SLPD officer inside a San Leandro Walmart store.

April 19-  Man shot and wounded while in his car near Irvington High School on Blacow.

#################

Anthony Garza memorial west side of Luckys.

Shooting Near Irvington High on Blacow (Updated)

Officers are investigating a shooting that apparently occurred across from Irvington High on Blacow around 10 this evening.  The victim was driven to a local hospital and then reportedly will be transferred to a trauma center.  The suspect fled on foot.  Unknown extent of injuries, motive, etc.

FPD New Release:

On April 19, 2020, at 10:22 p.m., a shooting occurred at Irvington Park, located in the 41800 block of Greenpark Drive.  Officers were alerted to the shooting while on another call for service at Washington Township Hospital. While at the hospital, a Fremont Police Department patrol officer was contacted by WTH staff regarding a 34-year-old Fremont male who had arrived by vehicle and was suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Through interviews conducted by patrol officers and detectives, the victim stated he was at the park speaking to the suspect, when he was shot. While the two were talking, the suspect pointed a handgun at the victim. The victim stated he struggled with the suspect over the handgun and was shot one time. The suspect immediately fled the area.

Detectives from the Investigations Unit have taken over the case and are following up on leads. The male was transported to a trauma center for further treatment and released earlier today.

This incident is not believed to be a random act. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the Fremont Police Department Crimes Against Persons Unit at 510-790-6900.

Big Scene on Mission and Pickering

Police and fire dispatched to the area of Pickering and Mission for a report of two men overdosing, possibly on heroin.  One was in pretty bad shape.  The other seemed to respond to narcan.  Several fire companies were needed to work on the patients.  Police arrived within a few minutes and started CPR but I believe it was the FD that administered the narcan.

Cool California Cop Cars

A new feature and we'll have to start out with the California Highway Patrol.

History
In 1982, the California Highway Patrol asked the Ford Motor Company to produce a capable and lightweight police car due to the bulkiness of current police cars like the Ford Fairmont and LTD/Crown Victoria and the problems incurred with Chevrolet Camaros with their camshafts[2] and engine problems[3] at pursuit speeds. Taking the Fox 5.0 Mustangs in production at the time, Ford produced the Ford Mustang SSP and modified them to suit the needs of the police and law enforcement departments.

It is estimated that nearly 15,000 of these special units were made from 1982 until their discontinuation in 1993 for over 60 law enforcement organizations and government agencies. Their roles ranged from general patrol to pursuit units, with some used in special duties like drug interdiction to academy training units. Several units were specially tasked to help land the Lockheed U-2 Spy plane.

The CVS Homemade Mask

The receipts at CVS Drug Store are ridiculously long.  I think a creative person with two rubber bands and a standard receipt could make a mask suitable for walking around in in their store.  Then, at the checkout, have them scan your mask for discounts! 

Homicide in Hayward Last Night- 6th This Year

From HPD:

Hayward Police Department
9 hrs ·

Yesterday, at about 9:50PM our officers responded to the 700 block of Memorial Way for a report of gunshots heard in the area. Upon arrival, we located a man suffering from gunshot wound(s). Emergency medical personnel later pronounced the man deceased.

The identity of the deceased man is known, however being withheld at this time until proper notification is made to his family.

Anyone with information related to this homicide is asked to call 510-293-7176.

We want to thank the community for their patience as we continue this investigation. We will release more details as soon as possible.

This is Hayward’s 6th homicide of 2020. The Hayward PD case number is 2020-023525.

San Leandro Cop Kills Mentally Ill Man at Walmart

This should not have happened.  Another case of "going to the gun" without considering other options.  A citizen had a video of the incident which is available to see in this news story:

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2020/04/18/video-police-shoot-and-kill-bat-wielding-man-in-san-leandro-walmart/

Fremont Covid-19 Creeps Up to 88

According to county stats, there are now 88 known cases of Covid-19 in Fremont through April 17th.  This is up slightly from 83 cases 3 days ago, a 6% increase. 

Police Terminate Nextdoor Discussion

FPD closed out a Nextdoor discussion group that was attached to their press release about the homicide on Mowry April 8th.  Apparently too much info was being discussed that they felt could jeopardize the investigation.  As of this date they have failed to publicly announce the victim of the homicide, so I will do it again here:  32 year old Anthony Garza.  On the discussion thread, which is still available to read under the "Crime and Safety" tab, there is a link to a GoFundMe account for Anthony's family.  The fund has reached its goal of $15K for a Celebration of Life.  It is a shame that the police department has trouble acknowledging that a human life was lost last week.  Any other Bay Area department would have released the name of the victim days ago along with a link to the GoFundMe account.

Public Information Officer
, Fremont Police Department
We are closing this discussion.
3 days ago

Police Activity in the Parkmont Neighborhood (Updated)

Officers are searching an area east of Paseo Padre near Eggers for two male stolen vehicle suspects.  They may also be wanted for auto burglary.  An officer spotted the vehicle, a Nissan Rogue, driving north on Paseo Padre from Mowry and the vehicle then pulled over across from Eggers and the two men fled east over a fence.  Shortly thereafter a homeowner on Miller Place reported one man hiding in his backyard.  Numerous officers have the area surrounded.
Update at 10:07 a.m.  The suspect driver is now in custody, but the passenger is still outstanding.  A K-9 from the Sheriff's office is en route to assist (no dogs nearby).  A drone is being deployed to check backyards.  A command post is being set up at Miller and Ann.

FPD Press Release:


On Friday morning (04/17), at approximately 9:46AM, several residents were on a walk near Cherry Ct. when they observed two males break into a vehicle. The residents yelled at the suspects who then fled in a vehicle. Responding officers located the suspect vehicle which then fled onto Miller Pl. Two occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers arrived within minutes and set a perimeter around the neighborhood. A drone was deployed as well as a K9 Unit from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.

Shortly after, a resident called FPD Dispatch to advise that an unknown subject was hiding in their yard. Patrol officers entered the rear yard where they located one of the suspects hiding in the bushes. The suspect complied with commands and was detained. The 2nd suspect was not located during a subsequent area search.

18 year old Kevin Perry of Oakland was arrested for auto burglary and resisting arrest. The suspect vehicle was found to be reported stolen by Perry’s mother, however she no longer wanted to press charges against her son.

Perry was not cooperative with Officers who could not confirm his identity in the field. Officers transported Perry to FPD Jail where his fingerprints and photograph were taken to verify his identity. Due to recent orders from the Judicial Council of California, Officers were prevented from booking Perry into custody. He was issued a citation for felony burglary and resisting arrest, and released.

Perry is on felony probation out of Alameda County for two separate incidents: Incident #1 – Grand Theft, and Incident #2 – Vandalism. He is also pre-sentenced in San Francisco County for a felony robbery case.

Murder in Pleasanton

This occurred last night in front of a hotel.  Pleasanton's first homicide in 8 years! Story from the EBT:

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2020/04/16/man-fatally-stabbed-in-pleasanton-hotel-parking-lot/

Helicopter Over Niles

Around 5:30 this afternoon, Regional Parks copter Eagle 6 was called in to the Alameda Creek Trail area in Niles apparently by ground units to locate a few kids either in the creek or nearby ponds.  The kids were reportedly exiting the scene on bicycles and the ground unit was unable to locate them.  The helo crew said they did not see them in the water but were probably the kids in question.  Flight tracking data shows that the copter returned to Quarry Lakes around 20 minutes later, but I have no info on that, but may be the same.

FPD Dispatcher of the Year

According to the news release, she was working the "Main" channel or "hot seat" a year ago when a patrol unit was ambushed on Civic Center.  Now we have a face to go along with the voice.  Congrats to Maggie!  From FPD:
#############

Margaret Liss (Maggie) has been a dispatcher with the Fremont Police Department since May of 2016. Since that time, she has grown not only as a dispatcher but as a contributing member of our department.

Maggie has been known to use her, “detective skills” while working in the center. When there is information that is being requested, she does her best to utilize all available resources to find it. One example of this was when another dispatcher took a Text-to-9-1-1 call, while dispatching units to the area, Maggie used different databases to find an associated vehicle to the subscriber which officers used to ultimately find and arrest a subject for domestic violence.

In regards to her growing skills on the radio, on April 18, 2019 Maggie was working hot seat when a dispatcher’s worst nightmare came true. An officer who was enroute to the PD for a break was ambushed and fired upon without provocation. Maggie was able to handle all of associated radio traffic and assisted getting the officer the backup that they needed to keep themselves, their fellow officers and the public safe. Afterwards, Maggie made sure to check on other members of the unit and the department to ensure they were doing okay. This of course is just one example of how Maggie is a thoughtful and compassionate person.

Outside of her role as a dispatcher in the communications center, Maggie is a member of the Continuity of Operations Committee as well as a long-time member of the Dispatch Morale Committee (DMC). Maggie’s work on the DMC has helped bring positive change to the center as well as helped bridge the gap between our dispatchers and Union City Patrol. Lastly, Maggie recently joined the department's Wellness Committee and is committed to the idea of health and wellness for everyone in the department.

Maggie is a phenomenal example of how a dispatcher’s work doesn’t have to be just behind a console. She is a solid member of our unit and the department. Thank you Maggie for all that you do!

It's The Law: Wear A Mask

I believe we are being prepared for the opening up of retail next month.  The City of Fremont now requires the wearing of masks when inside a retail place of business.  This will probably be one of the requirements when California "opens up".

Fremont Proclaims Executive Order Requiring the Public Use of Face Coverings to Protect Essential Workers and Consumers

Fremont, Calif. – April 16, 2020 – The City of Fremont has proclaimed Executive Order, “EO 2020-03,” requiring the use of face coverings at certain essential places of business to protect workers and the public and prevent community spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The places of business identified in the Executive Order include those where members of the public may still be visiting for essential services during this time. Workers at these businesses must wear face coverings over their noses and mouths while performing their jobs. These face coverings must be provided by their employer and are not required to be medical-grade masks or N95 respirators; cloth coverings, such as scarves and bandanas, are suitable.

All customers/consumers and visitors of the identified businesses and organizations must also wear face coverings to provide additional protection for employees and other customers, and may be refused admission or service if they fail to wear a face covering. In addition, employers of all essential workers must permit their employees to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer at least every 30 minutes.

“On a daily basis, the men and women who perform essential functions within our community are at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19,” said Fremont Mayor Lily Mei. “The City of Fremont has issued this new Executive Order to keep these valuable members of our community safe, while also inhibiting the broader spread of COVID-19. In this challenging time, I want to thank you for your patience and anticipated cooperation as we take the appropriate safety measures to mitigate the effects of this public health crisis.”

As stated in the Executive Order, the new regulations are effective immediately and apply to people within the City of Fremont, including all workers who work at businesses or perform services at the following places, until the local emergency is declared over, or unless otherwise stated:

All establishments engaged in the retail sale of unprepared food, canned food, dry goods, non-alcoholic beverages, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, as well as hygienic products and household consumer products necessary for personal hygiene or the habitability, sanitation, or operation of residences;
Gas stations and auto-supply, auto-repair, and automotive dealerships;
Bicycle repair and supply shops;
Hardware stores;
Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the habitability, sanitation, and operation of residences and Essential Businesses;
Laundromats, drycleaners, and laundry service providers;
Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food;
Funeral home providers, mortuaries, cemeteries, and crematoriums;
Businesses that have the primary function of shipping or delivering groceries, food, or other goods directly to residences or businesses.
Taxis, rental car companies, rideshare services, and other private transportation providers; and
Professional services, such as legal, notary, or accounting services.

The Order aligns with recommendations from the Alameda County Public Health Department, California Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in order to ensure the community’s wellbeing and safety during this public health crisis.

Covid-19 Up 8% in 3 Days

Through April 14 the county is reporting 83 cases in Fremont, up from 77 through April 11th.   The curve for Alameda County as a whole, according to the LA. Times, has flattened, with cases doubling every 14 days.   This is very good news!

The Checks Are In!

Several people have reported receiving their Federal stimulus checks this morning.  Check your bank account!

Ford Vs. Subaru- Ukiah Style

A noontime speed contest in downtown Ukiah led to the arrest of two men.  They didn't say who won, but I'm betting on the Impreza.  Reminded me of the old days of E.14th in San Leandro.

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2020/04/14/during-shelter-in-place-midday-street-racing-on-ukiahs-main-drag/

FPD Thanks Their Dispatchers

Fremont Police Department  @FremontPD
35m
Thank you FPD Dispatchers for your dedicated 24/7 service to keep the communities of Fremont & Union City safe. 

Photo of the Day

Bigfoot spotted on US 199 near Cave Junction, Oregon sporting a surgical mask.

ACFD Dispatcher of the Year

This week is Dispatcher Appreciation Week, the ACFD would like to recognize our 2019-2020 Dispatcher of the Year, Brenda Farrier. Brenda was nominated by her peers based on her hard work and dedication. She is an esteemed trainer and part of our EMD Quality Assurance Program.

Fremont Flashback

A little over 12 years ago a murder took place at the Niles Banquet Hall on Niles Blvd near Sullivan underpass.  Three Hayward gang member were later sentenced for the murder of a Livermore man.



https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2008/02/19/man-shot-killed-at-niles-wedding-reception-was-livermore-resident/

https://patch.com/california/newark/three-reputed-hayward-gang-members-sentenced-2008-fremont-shooting-0

No Arrests in Garza Murder

Checking internet arrest records for East Bay cities, no one has been arrested for the murder of Anthony Garza.   FPD has made no announcements of an arrest and the Crime Reports website does not have the homicide listed on its map.  Data is provided to the web site by FPD and often they will withhold info from Crime Reports for an ongoing investigation.  Garza died last Wednesday in the Lucky's parking lot from an apparent single gun shot below the chest.  The suspect was spotted on video  entering the parking area some 15 minutes before confronting Garza.
Suspect drove a dark green Cadi Escalade...early 2000s similar to the picture below.

CHP Honors Public Safety Dispatchers This Week

Warren Stanley

@CHPCommissioner

Public safety dispatchers play a vital role in the CHP’s ability to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the people of California. This week, we honor those critical first responders and thank them for all that they do year-round.

CHP Headquarters  @CHP_HQ

Every year during the second week of April, we honor the selfless efforts of the telecommunications personnel in the public safety community. With each new crisis, dispatchers prove to be an indispensable link between our officers, the public, and vital support services.

1:19pm · 13 Apr 2020 · Twitter for iPhone

The Gun Shot That Wasn't

The clerk at the E-Z 8 Motel on Cedar in Newark called NPD around 2 this afternoon to report that he heard a gun shot come from a room and a van leaving with Arizona plates.  NPD scrambled a bunch of units to the scene, but there was no gun shot victim.   Another unit located the van and put an enforcement stop on it.  Then word came from the scene that there was a boyfriend-girlfriend disturbance in the room, but the sound of a gun shot was really a chair that fell against the wall. 

75 Covid-19 Cases in Fremont

Up from 68 a few days ago.... a 10% increase. 

https://ac-hcsa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/948c67558cff414dbbee1a78fcbab1c9

Photo of the Day

Walnut Avenue is green and empty on this Saturday afternoon.

7 From Fremont Cited in Santa Cruz - Shelter in Place Violation

Here is a link to the story:
https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/7-fremont-residents-fined-1000-in-santa-cruz-for-violating-shelter-in-place-orders/

Man Exposing Himself at Smart and Final

Officers are on the way to the Smart and Final store on Walnut on a report of a man exposing himself to customers as they leave the store.  The 50 year old man also urinated in public.  An officer on scene has asked for backup officer to "step it up" as he was not complying with orders.  This Not So Smart man will soon have a nice restroom to use at Santa Rita.

Wednesday's Murder Possibly Linked to Hayward Homicide

The fiancé of Wednesday's murder victim, Crystle Creech, lost her brother to gun violence last December.  Her fiancé, Anthony Garza, 32 years old,  was shot and killed outside of Lucky's on Mowry about 15 minutes before sunset.  Around sunset on  December 7th,  John "JJ" Creech, Jr,  Ms. Creech's brother, was murdered on Amador Way in Hayward.  No arrests have been made.  Is this just a case of bad luck, losing a brother and a fiancé to gun violence in a matter of months, or were they targeted?  By who and why are the questions police detectives will want answers to.  Here are a few links to news reports and Go Fund Me accounts:

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2019/12/13/two-recent-hayward-homicide-victims-identified/

https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/questions-remain-unanswered-after-hayward-man-shot-killed/

https://www.gofundme.com/f/anthony-garza-celebration-of-life?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=sms&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

Fremont Covid-19: 68

A 70% increase in two days, according to updated stats from the county.  Through April 9,  there are 68 people in Fremont with Covid-19, up from 40 two days ago.  This could just reflect an increase in testing and not an indication of an increase in the spreading of the virus.

Robbery at Walmart

Two men and a woman robbed Walmart on Osgood around 1:15 this afternoon.  They were armed with a baseball bat and a taser.  They fled in an older gold van and community cameras were able to trace it going north on 880 from Auto Mall a few minutes later.  Unknown what was taken from the store.  Nobody was struck with the weapons or otherwise injured.

Police Activity on Rockwood Last Night

A solo occupant of a home heard what sounded like someone else in the home they were in on Rockwood around 12:30 a.m.  Numerous officers responded to the neighborhood north of Central Avenue.  After 30 minutes of setting up and searching, it appears that no one was located.

Carjacking in U.C. Last Night

A man was robbed of his wallet and phone and had his Scion car jacked at the Dry Creek Apartments on Mission Blvd in U.C. last night.  Last I heard they were able to trace the phone to a location in Oakland.  Suspects were two men and the victim was not injured. 

FPD News Release on Homicide

FPD News Release:

Homicide Investigation - 5000 block of Mowry Ave (Lucky's Shopping Center at Mowry/Blacow)

A man was shot in the parking lot of Lucky's earlier this evening.  He sadly succomed to his injuries as he arrived at a trauma center.  Detectives have been called in and are actively investigating the incident.

At 7:21 p.m., a witness called dispatch and stated they heard a shots fired and a subject appeared injured on the ground.  Officers immediately responded and arrived within minutes.  Upon arrival, they located a man lying on the ground suffering from an injury consistent with being shot.  The victim was initially conscious but his condition deteriorated as he was transported to a trauma center.  The victim was pronounced deceased upon arrival to the hospital at 7:53 p.m.

It’s believed that the man had been in the parking lot with friends (or associates) when another car, described as an older dark colored SUV, drove up to their location.  The victim exited the car he was in and an argument took place with an occupant inside the SUV.  At some point, the man in the SUV took out a gun and fired at least one round in the direction of the victim, striking him.  The SUV immediately fled the scene.

Detectives have been called in and taking over the investigation.  It’s too early to know the motive and we are using our cameras and interviewing witnesses, to help develop leads.  Right now we have a limited description of the suspect.  He reportedly had short hair, possibly a buzz cut and appeared to be an adult in his 20’s or 30’s.

The victim's identity is being withheld at this time, he is an adult.

We will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This is the City’s first homicide in 2020. 

Anyone with information about this case is asked to please contact the Fremont Police Department at 510-790-6800 x 3. We also accept and welcome anonymous tips.  To send a web tip, go to https://local.nixle.com/tip/alert/5788118 or text your tip, by typing TIP FREMONTPD followed by your short message to 888777.

Man Shot And Killed Outside of Lucky's at Mowry and Blacow!

A man has been shot outside of the Lucky's Supermarket on Mowry at Blacow.  Officers are on scene and reporting the victim is conscious and breathing, but was reporting chest pain.  The suspect vehicle reported to be an older model Cadillac Escalade, dark green with tinted windows.  The vehicle fled towards Wendy's, and was later spotted on a city camera driving west on Stevenson.  Witnesses report that only one shot was fired.
Update:  Suspect is a white or hispanic male in late 20s wearing a red bandanna over nose and mouth.
Update:  per radio traffic, the victim was pronounced dead at 7:53 p.m.
Update:  several detectives have arrived from home and are starting the investigation.  Between the witness info and camera video I wouldn't be surprised if there is an arrest tonight or tomorrow on this dude.
note:  Time of call 7:21 p.m.

40 Covid-19 Cases in Fremont

The new county website is up and running and it includes a breakdown of cases by city.  Check it out:

https://ac-hcsa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/8b2c3db665f14656a877355fdc9317a5

Photo of the Day

HPD masking up.  Anyone know which fire house that is in the background?
Photo courtesy of HPD twitter.

Mask Required at WHHS Buildings; They Will Issue You One

WHHS Update

Last week, Washington Hospital Healthcare System (WHHS) instituted a universal masking policy for everyone within the healthcare system. This means that anyone in our hospital, outpatient buildings or clinics is required to wear a WHHS-issued face mask to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Face masks will be issued to everyone entering a WHHS building following screening and temperature checks. In addition to wearing a mask, we ask everyone to practice physical distancing whenever possible. Together, we can fight COVID-19 by preventing its spread.

Thank you for trusting Washington Hospital Healthcare System for all of your health care needs.

Police Activity at Days Inn in Warm Springs

Numerous officers are out at the Days Inn on Warm Springs Blvd on a report of a possible shooting.  A woman called saying family members are in a room there and there was an argument followed by a shooting.  She was not at the hotel, but was called by a family member.  She then called police.  The clerk, some 30 feet away, did not hear anything.   There are only a small number of guests at the hotel.  This is starting to sound like a domestic issue where the woman is calling in a bogus call to harass her ex.
Update:  Police are calling occupants out of the room.  3 adults and 2 juveniles have exited so far.
Update:  After searching the room a code 4 was put out and the ambulance on standby was advised to clear.  Officers asked for the phone number of the reporting party. 

Optometry Office Complains of Homeless Men

An optometry office at Mowry and Parkside called in to complain about three men hanging out by their front door and refusing to leave.  The three men, not having a vision of what may come next and not seeing eye to eye with the office manager, remained in place.  Officers are on the way to make sure the violators see clearly what they are doing. 

Photo of the Day

A very successful shopping trip this afternoon at Mowry and Blacow.

Fire Department Dispatchers

Fremont Fire Department is dispatched, by contract, with the crew from Alameda County in Livermore.  Here are a few of them telling you, in a not so subtle way, to STAY HOME.

The Curve Is Flattening (Updated With New Link)

Looking at data from the L.A. Times, it appears that in both statewide and countywide data, both the number of new cases and deaths are leveling off, if not dropping.  Public health officials will no doubt say this is too early to say for sure, but check it out yourself here: https://www.latimes.com/projects/california-coronavirus-cases-tracking-outbreak/

As we start week four of the Stay at Home edict, I think it is fair to say that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

A reader has provided a link to the IHME site that has been often quoted and is very encouraging for California:

https://covid19.healthdata.org/united-states-of-america/california

Police Activity on Thornton

An angry, suicidal woman climbed a tree on the 4400 block of Thornton Avenue this morning after an apparent argument with her boyfriend.  Officers responded to the Pathway Community Church parking lot to find her over a wall and up a tree with jumper cables wrapped around her neck.  She was very agitated apparently about family drama.  Paramedics were called in to standby.  About 40 minutes after climbing the tree officers were able to talk  the woman down.

Photo of the Day

Looking north on Paseo from the footbridge south of Central Park on a Friday afternoon.  People really are staying home.

Fun Fremont Fact

It was on this day in 1987 that the Oakland A's acquired Washington High baseball star Dennis Eckersley in a trade with the Chicago Cubs.  Here is the story from the East Bay Times:

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2020/04/03/on-this-date-april-3-how-as-eckersley-helped-save-each-other/

Here is a link to the dedication of the baseball field at Washington High:
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2006/09/09/hall-of-famer-likes-idea-of-moving-as/

Penske Truck Update

From FPD Nixle:

On Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at 8:49 p.m., patrol officers were contacted by a victim who had his house burglarized the day prior (March 31, 2020).  The victim advised that a large Penske box truck was the suspect vehicle in the burglary and that he had just located the truck parked at the Mission Valley Shopping Plaza (Mission/Las Palmas). He provided the license plate and it came back as a stolen vehicle out of Union City.  As officers were responding, detectives advised that the same vehicle was suspected in a larger series of burglaries throughout Fremont.  

Patrol officers arrived on scene and attempted an enforcement stop on the box truck.  The vehicle immediately fled and led officers on a pursuit through Fremont, Union City, Hayward, and into San Leandro.  

In San Leandro, the suspect collided with another driver at the intersection of Bancroft Ave. and Juana Ave. causing the box truck to become disabled.  The driver of the other vehicle did not sustain any injuries.  The suspect fled on foot however he was quickly apprehended by an FPD K9.  The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Andrew Beck, a transient from Fremont, was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property, hit and run, felony evading, and resisting arrest.

He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of moderate injuries sustained during the K9 apprehension.  He currently remains hospitalized, pending medical clearance to be booked at Santa Rita Jail.  The case into the residential burglary remains ongoing and detectives are following up on other crimes reported throughout the City.  

We’d like to thank Union City PD, Hayward PD, and San Leandro PD for their assistance.  We’d also like to thank CHP and East Bay Regional Parks PD for sending their air units.  

Attached is a booking photo for Beck from a 02/20/20 Assault with a Deadly Weapon arrest by FPD.  Mr. Beck’s updated photograph will be made available once he is booked.  Mr. Beck is currently on probation for four different incidents: removing required coloring on an imitation firearm, possession of dangerous drugs, identify theft, and challenging another to fight.  He has a lengthy criminal history for various property crimes, drug violations, and weapons violations.  

Anyone with information about this case is asked to please contact Fremont Police Detective M. Stone at Mstone@fremont.gov or call the Investigative Unit at 510-790-6900.  We also accept and welcome anonymous tips.  To send a web tip, go to https://local.nixle.com/tip/alert/5788118 or text your tip, by typing TIP FREMONTPD followed by your short message to 888777.
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His history from the internet:

Andrew Martin Beck

Arrested on: 2/20/2020

Arrested For:	By:	Date:
Revocation Of Probation Burglary Receiving Or Concealing Stolen Property Obstruct/Resist Executive Officer Remove or alter federal or state regulated markings from firearm Drive While Under The Combined Influence Of Drugs And Alcohol	Fremont PD	2/4/2020
Drive While License Suspended Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Possess of Personal Identifying Information of Another Person with Intent to Defraud.	Alameda County SD	12/21/2019
Possess A Controlled Substance For Sale Threats Of Violence	Alameda County SD	12/19/2019
Receiving Or Concealing Stolen Property Obstruct/Resist Executive Officer Remove or alter federal or state regulated markings from firearm Drive While Under The Combined Influence Of Drugs And Alcohol	Fremont PD	12/17/2019
Possess A Controlled Substance For Sale	Alameda County SD	11/25/2019
Possession of Controlled Substance Receiving Or Concealing Stolen Property Obstruct/Resist Executive Officer Remove or alter federal or state regulated markings from firearm Drive While Under The Combined Influence Of Drugs And Alcohol	Fremont PD	11/22/2019
Receiving Or Concealing Stolen Property Obstruct/Resist Executive Officer Drive While License Suspended Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Remove or alter federal or state regulated markings from firearm Possess of Personal Identifying Information of Another Person with Intent to Defraud. Drive While Under The Combined Influence Of Drugs And Alcohol	Fremont PD	10/13/2019
Possession of Controlled Substance	Alameda County SD	4/2/2019
Threats Of Violence Receiving Or Concealing Stolen Property Obstruct/Resist Executive Officer Remove or alter federal or state regulated markings from firearm Drive While Under The Combined Influence Of Drugs And Alcohol	Alameda County SD	3/8/2019
Possess A Controlled Substance For Sale Possession Of Ammunition Any person convicted of certain misdemeanor sections in possession of firearm within 10 years of said conviction.	Fremont PD	3/6/2019
Possession of Controlled Substance Threats Of Violence Receiving Or Concealing Stolen Property Obstruct/Resist Executive Officer Possession Of Ammunition Remove or alter federal or state regulated markings from firearm Any person convicted of certain misdemeanor sections in possession of firearm within 10 years of said conviction. Drive While Under The Combined Influence Of Drugs And Alcohol	Fremont PD	2/28/2019
Possession Of Burglar's Tools	Fremont PD	12/31/2018
Vandalism $5000 Or More	Fremont PD	11/13/2018
Contempt Of Court: Disobey Court Order/Process Receiving Or Concealing Stolen Property Obstruct/Resist Executive Officer Remove or alter federal or state regulated markings from firearm Drive While Under The Combined Influence Of Drugs And Alcohol	Fremont PD	11/2/2018
Robbery	Alameda County SD	1/17/2018
Possession Of Ammunition Any person convicted of certain misdemeanor sections in possession of firearm within 10 years of said conviction.	Alameda County SD	1/2/2018
Possess Control Substance Paraphernalia Burglary Receiving Or Concealing Stolen Property Obstruct/Resist Executive Officer Remove or alter federal or state regulated markings from firearm Drive While Under The Combined Influence Of Drugs And Alcohol	Fremont PD	12/30/2017
Threats Of Violence Robbery	Alameda County SD	11/14/2017
Receiving Or Concealing Stolen Property Obstruct/Resist Executive Officer Possession Of Ammunition Remove or alter federal or state regulated markings from firearm Any person convicted of certain misdemeanor sections in possession of firearm within 10 years of said conviction. Drive While Under The Combined Influence Of Drugs And Alcohol	Fremont PD	11/11/2017
Threats Of Violence Possession Of Ammunition Any person convicted of certain misdemeanor sections in possession of firearm within 10 years of said conviction.	Fremont PD	10/18/2017
Threats Of Violence Possession Of Ammunition Any person convicted of certain misdemeanor sections in possession of firearm within 10 years of said conviction.	Alameda County SD	8/2/2017
Robbery Shoplifting	Fremont PD	7/31/2017
Robbery	Alameda County SD	4/18/2017
Threats Of Violence Possession Of Ammunition Any person convicted of certain misdemeanor sections in possession of firearm within 10 years of said conviction.	Fremont PD	4/15/2017
Use/Under Influence Controlled Substance	Alameda County SD	7/7/2016
Possession Of Ammunition Any person convicted of certain misdemeanor sections in possession of firearm within 10 years of said conviction. Robbery	Fremont PD	7/5/2016
Robbery Robbery	Union City PD	5/19/2015
Use/Under Influence Controlled Substance	Alameda County SD	1/5/2015
Possession of Controlled Substance	Union City PD	1/2/2015
Use/Under Influence Controlled Substance