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A man wanted on multiple warrants eluded law enforcement in Pleasanton after hopping in his vehicle with officers nearby investigating his whereabouts, driving away and ultimately escaping on foot Friday evening, according to police.
The search for the suspect – whose name has not been released publicly – included aerial and ground support and prompted a Nixle alert for people to stay away from Val Vista Park and shelter in place in the neighborhood that night.
The situation began unfolding just after 5:30 p.m. Friday (Oct. 23) when the Pleasanton Police Department received an alert from a Flock system alert for a vehicle that was associated with a wanted man as well as connected to a case of evading police in Campbell that led to a 30-day impound notice, according to Lt. Chris Lewellyn.
Pleasanton officers found the vehicle unoccupied in a hotel parking lot and soon developed information to link it to a man with multiple warrants issued in and out of California, according to Lewellyn. The crimes, other than the evasion case in Campbell, were not specified.
Despite police being at the hotel property, the suspect was reportedly able to escape in the vehicle.
“As officers worked to confirm the individual’s identity and lodging information, the suspect entered the vehicle and fled despite officers’ commands to stop,” Lewellyn said. “The vehicle traveled through the Val Vista Park area before the suspect abandoned it and fled on foot.”
Police established a search perimeter in the area of Inglewood Drive and Mason Street in the Val Vista neighborhood, but could not find the man Friday night. Beyond Pleasanton PD units, the operation included California Highway Patrol air support and Alameda County Sheriff’s Office K-9 personnel, according to Lewellyn.
“The investigation remains ongoing. While the suspect’s current location is unknown, the department does not believe there is an ongoing threat to the Pleasanton community,” the lieutenant added.
He said the vehicle was impounded in connection with the Campbell Police Department investigation, and Pleasanton police have put in for charges with the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
Mr. Walsh, please explain the following to the public:
Why has no information about this person, aside from being assumed to be a man, been released? Name, age, description.
Why no information on existing warrants and prior convictions, if any?
Why not identify the hotel property, why not describe the automobile- brand, model, year, color.
Why such a lack of information about this person? It’s not acceptable to just repeat what our police department shares. How about a strong push back- the residents, in order to protect ourselves, deserve to be treated better , especially when an area shelter-in-place bulletin was issued.
As you know, Mr. Walsh, the lack of information leads to speculation. I expect better from this publication.