Police Bulletin Police Bulletin (September 24, 2004)

Hotel robbed at gunpoint

An unknown suspect wielding a gun robbed a hotel on Owens Court on Sept. 18, taking an undisclosed amount of cash.

Police reported that the robber walked into the lobby of the Ramada Inn about 7 p.m. and threatened a female desk clerk before grabbing money from the motel's cash register and fleeing south on foot before the clerk lost sight of him.

Police described the suspect as a 23- or 24-year-old black male with a round face, medium build and about 5 feet 9 inches tall. He had a shaved head, thin moustache and was wearing a long navy blue sweatshirt and black baggy pants.

Anyone with information about this robbery should contact the Police Department, 931-5100, and refer to Case No. 04-6156. Police nab auto-theft suspects

A foot chase Sunday night led to the arrest of two San Leandro men charged with several counts, including auto theft.

Police reported that Daniel Cruz, 34, and his nephew, Jesse Cruz, 20, were booked at Santa Rita County Jail facing auto theft charges and possession of stolen property, possession of a controlled substance and driving on a suspended license.

About 10:15 p.m., two Pleasanton officers stopped to talk to two men who were changing a vehicle's tire in a Shell station parking lot on Santa Rita Road and Pimlico Drive, police said.

The pair ran from the officers toward I-580. Within 15 minutes, officers apprehended Daniel Cruz.

A California Highway Patrol helicopter and a Pleasanton police canine were called in for assistance; the dog found Jesse Cruz hiding in bushes near the I-580 ramp, police said.

Police discovered the vehicle the pair abandoned had been tampered with, and a records check showed it had been reported stolen that weekend by an Emeryville coffee business, police said.

Anyone with information about this incident, Case No. 04-6176, should contact the Police Department watch commander at 931-5100.

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