Watch CBS News

VIDEO: Serial Robbery Suspect Captured After Failed Attempt To Elude Capture In San Francisco Bay

OAKLAND (CBS SSF) -- An Oakland man suspected a series of armed robberies in the San Francisco Bay Area was in custody after he led police on a high-speed chase and then attempted elude captured by diving in the San Francisco Bay, authorities said.

Webster Johnson was taken into custody after his failed swim that was captured on CHP helicopter video.

**Suspect Flees into Bay**

**Suspect Flees into Bay** At approximately 11:40 am, CHP Air-31 responded to a report that Solano County Sheriff Deputies were in pursuit of a felony suspect on westbound I-80. CHP Air 31 located the suspect vehicle as it fled across the Carquinez Bridge at a high rate of speed. Once CHP Airplane Air-31 was overhead, ground officers discontinued the pursuit allowing Air-31 to follow from above. As the suspect vehicle approached Ashby Ave in Berkeley, the suspect vehicle exited the freeway and abruptly stopped on the frontage road. The suspect exited the vehicle and attempted to swim away in the chilly bay water. Officers from the Oakland CHP Office arrived at the suspects location and encouraged him to peacefully surrender. The suspect was taken into custody when he climbed out of the bay. The Solano Sheriff Office is investigating this incident and will be the handling agency.

Posted by CHP - Golden Gate Division Air Operations on Wednesday, December 16, 2020

According to Solano County Sheriff's detectives, Johnson is at the center of several investigations that spanned three counties

The alleged crime spree included:

  • December 9th - Solano County deputies are called to Carlson Street for a report of a shooting that injured one person. Investigators learned the shooting was the result of an attempted robbery involving two suspects.
  • Afternoon of December 15th - Modesto Police Department officers engage in an officer-involved shooting with Alonzo Warren of Modesto. Our detectives determine Warren is also a suspect from the Carlson Street shooting and begin working with Modesto PD.
  • Evening of December 15th - Solano County deputies respond to a robbery report at BevBox on Benicia Road in Vallejo.

On Dec. 16, Solano County deputies determined the vehicle used in the Carlson Street shooting was the same one used in the Vallejo robbery. After issuing an alert to Bay Area law enforcement agencies, Pinole police responded saying they were investigating a robbery suspect who matched the suspect related to the Bevbox robbery.

Oakland police also said they were investigating the same man for robberies in their city.

Solano County deputies sighted the wanted vehicle and tried to take the Johnson into custody. Instead of complying with deputies' orders, Johnson used his vehicle to ram a sheriff's car before leading deputies on a chase throughout Solano, Contra Costa, and Alameda counties.

CHP air and ground units joined the pursuit on I-80 which ended at Ashby Avenue in Berkeley. There Johnson jumped into San Francisco Bay before surrendering to CHP officers.

Once Johnson was in custody, investigators found two loaded guns in the water where he jumped in.

Johnson is facing multiple charges including attempted murder, accessory, robbery, felony evading, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, and assault with a deadly weapon. Johnson was also confirmed to have a no bail arrest warrant issued by Alameda County for domestic violence.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.