Richmond Murder Suspect Shot, Wounded By Police
SAN LEANDRO (KCBS) - A man suspected of murdering a waitress whose body had been found in a Richmond restaurant was shot and wounded by police Thursday after a lengthy standoff at a San Leandro home, authorities said.
The standoff at a house in the 12500 block of Central Street began at 9 a.m. Wednesday when police received a tip about the whereabouts of 42-year-old Rafael Zarate.
An arrest warrant named Zarate, 42, as the suspect in the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Jensy Romero. The 30-year-old woman's body was discovered Tuesday at Angie's Bakery and Restaurant, police said.
"It just reminds us of how volatile these domestic violence cases can be," said Sgt. Bisa French, a spokeswoman for the Richmond Police Department.
Zarate was apparently stalking Romero after a recent break up, French said.
San Leandro police and Richmond SWAT officers tried to negotiate with Zarate for more than 16 hours before finally entering the San Leandro home at 1:40 a.m. French said Zarate came downstairs pointing a rifle at police at SWAT officers on the first floor, so police opened fire.
Zarate was hospitalized in stable condition, she said.
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