Wild Carjacking Pursuits End In Castro Valley Crashes; Teen Suspects Arrested
CASTRO VALLEY (CBS SF) -- Two juveniles were in custody Friday after they allegedly led police on a pair of wild car chases involving two carjackings and crashes, including one into a Castro Valley home's garage.
San Leandro Police Lt. Issac Benabou said the incident began in San Leandro around 11:50 p.m. when the police got a 911 call reporting a carjacking on Estudillo Ave. near the library.
"The victim was in his car with his dog was on his phone when he was approached by at least four suspects," Benabou said. "They smashed his window. Which drew him out of the car. Once he got out of the car, they demanded his cell phone and car keys. They wanted to steal his car. The victim complied with the thieves and was requesting to get his dog out of the car."
"There was a little bit of a struggle. That's when the victim felt himself being cut in the back of his leg...They left the area with his car," he added.
The thieves had returned his cell phone before departing so the victim called 911 to report the crime. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
About 30 minutes later, Alameda County Sheriff Sgt. Ray Kelly said a woman reported that her vehicle was taken at knife-point on Seven Hills Road in Castro Valley. She told investigators she was pulled out of the vehicle and struggled with the suspects. The woman's 11-year-old daughter came to her mother's aid, but eventually they yielded the car keys.
Deputies eventually located both vehicles and began a pursuit.
One of the drivers lost control of the stolen vehicle in Castro Valley, slamming into a garage on Parsons Ave. The force of the crash left the garage in shambles and shook up the two elderly residents who were watching TV inside.
The driver fled the scene. A suspect arrested as he walked down on nearby street with glass in their clothing and injuries consistent with being in crash, but authorities had not yet confirmed if the suspect was, in fact, the driver. He was taken to Eden Hospital for treatment.
Deputies pursued a second vehicle at speeds of 99 mph until it crashed on Grove Way near Insterstate 580. The driver of that vehicle was injured and taken into custody.
Sheriff's deputies said there may have been more suspects involved.
