Suspect in botched armed robbery last year due in court

A San Ramon man accused of a failed armed robbery attempt in Pleasanton last August is due in court March 15.

Antonio Faraz Rad is accused of robbing a man, then attempting to shoot him in a Pleasanton parking lot.

Police at the time said Rad arranged to meet the victim outside the CVS Pharmacy on Rosewood Drive to buy iPods. The 23-year-old victim arrived at the drug store in a Honda sedan with a friend of his and parked the vehicle directly in front of the store.

When Rad and another suspect arrived at about 10 p.m., they allegedly parked their gray SUV in the center of the empty parking lot. The victim approached the SUV and when he took out one of the iPods, Rad allegedly ordered the victim to give him everything and took out a firearm.

The victim dropped the iPod and put his hands over his head. The suspect then fired a single shot at the victim that sent him running for cover. As the victim ran toward the Honda, the suspect fired a second shot at the man, but missed him both times, according to the police account. The victim escaped uninjured.

Rad was taken into custody after being served search and arrest warrants at his residence. The San Ramon Police Department assisted with the arrest.

Rad was booked at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin for robbery and attempted murder, but also faces felony enhancement charges because of pending felony cases he has in Alameda County.

The enhancement was added because Rad allegedly committed felonies while out on bail. Rad had posted bail for previous arrests for felony vandalism, felony evading, and child endangerment, Fenner said. Police are searching for Rad’s getaway vehicle and the other suspect who was in the SUV.

Rad has pleaded not guilty to the charges.