Driver Involved In Hit And Runs On Interstate 880 In Oakland Believed To Be Under The Influence Of Drugs
OAKLAND (KCBS) – It proved to be a rough commute for many using Interstate 880 in the East Bay Thursday morning, as a reckless driver wreaked havoc.
There were at least three hit and runs visible on the Nimitz from Interstate 238 to 23rd Avenue in Oakland. But California Highway Patrol officer Sean Wilkenfeld said it appears additional damage was caused by a blue Toyota Corolla, registered to and driven by Haroon Rafie of Union City.
"It looks like there may have been as many as five [incidents]," said Wilkenfeld. "We're just linking them up due to the fact that they're in other CHP jurisdictions."
Rafie had to be tased and officers had to break his window in order to get him out of the vehicle.
Wilkenfeld said he is now undergoing a psychiatric evaluation at John George Psychiatric Hospital in San Lorenzo. He will likely face charges ranging from felony evading, resisting arrest, hit and run, and DUI, as it is believed Rafie was under the influence of drugs.
"That we're still looking into. But it definitely was a factor for the pursuit, as well as the aggression afterward," Wilkenfeld said.
The CHP credited the public in helping to finally stop the car. "We had 23 people that called 911 to report this guy as a reckless driver or as a suspect in hit and run collision," said Wilkenfeld.
The slow-speed pursuit began on Interstate 580 near Eden Valley Road in Castro Valley, and the suspect was taken into custody on 880 near 23rd Avenue.