Alameda’s crime news for July was dominated by the tragic mass shooting of an entire family at the hands of a family member. Five people died because of the shooting on Kitty Hawk Road on July 10, and an Alameda man is being held and charged for their deaths. Another homicide was recorded later in the month when two bodies were discovered in a Bay Farm home, in what appears to be a murder-suicide. Police have released few details out of respect for the families involved. They were the first homicides recorded this year in Alameda.
Reports of vehicle theft and catalytic converter thefts continue to vex the city. Reports of stolen vehicles climbed back over 100 for the month, while catalytic converter thefts nearly doubled from June. Alameda Police Department (APD) is offering residents free steering wheel locks—in limited quantities—to help prevent additional vehicle thefts. The locks are available from their headquarters on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Oak Street. APD did recover 93 stolen vehicles during the month.
APD officers issued 248 traffic citations, 51 warnings, and four DUIs, and 59 collisions were reported during the month. Robbery and aggravated assault numbers stayed about the same as the previous month, with 11 and 9 reported respectively. The department took 32 reports of simple assaults as well.
In other numbers, the department received 70 reports of shoplifting, 49 reports of theft from a motor vehicle, one report of arson, 48 reports of property destruction, damage, or vandalism, and 12 drug or narcotic and equipment violations.
Out of 80 arrests made in July, two were juveniles. During the month, 32 felony arrests were made, while the rest were for misdemeanors, infractions, and other reasons.
Feb. 24 | Mar. 24 | Apr. 24 | May 24 | Jun. 24 | Jul. 24 | Change Jun. – Jul. | Difference | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arrests | 71 | 114 | 91 | 94 | 96 | 89 | -7 | -7.45% |
Collisions | 66 | 69 | 72 | 67 | 71 | 59 | -12 | -16.67% |
Auto Thefts | 123 | 94 | 74 | 98 | 87 | 106 | 19 | 25.68% |
Recovered Stolen Vehicles | 107 | 99 | 83 | 94 | 90 | 93 | 3 | 3.61% |
Robberies | 10 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 1 | 11.11% |
Catalytic Converter Thefts | 5 | 8 | 15 | 8 | 12 | 22 | 10 | 66.67% |
Assaults | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 2 | 33.33% |
Calls for Service | 5,234 | 5,468 | 5,621 | 5,625 | 5,713 | 6,224 | 511 | 9.09% |
Reports Taken | 717 | 700 | 637 | 707 | 655 | 702 | 47 | 7.38% |
APD July 2024 notable incidents
The Department called attention to several notable incidents during the month of July:
Grand Theft: Early on the morning of July 5, officers were notified by an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) about a stolen vehicle recorded near Webster Street. Officers located the vehicle parked behind Target. While monitoring the vehicle, three individuals carrying merchandise they did not pay for left the store through an emergency exit and walked towards the vehicle. When officers announced their presence, all three suspects fled on foot. All three were located and arrested within a few minutes. The merchandise was returned to Target, and the vehicle was reunited with the registered owner.
Sexual Assault: Later in the evening of July 5, officers were called to the 500 block of Buena Vista Avenue for a report of sexual assault. The victim was transported to a local hospital. The suspect was taken into custody on July 11 for multiple offenses.
Homicide: On the evening of July 10, officers responded to the 400 block of Kitty Hawk Road for a report of an individual with gunshot wounds. When officers arrived, they located four additional victims. All five victims succumbed to their injuries. An adult male was taken into custody at the scene. While there are no other outstanding suspects, the investigation remains ongoing.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon: On the evening of July 24, officers responded to the 2800 block of San Diego Road for a report of a physical altercation between individuals who knew each other. During the altercation, both individuals struck each other with objects that could cause significant bodily injury. Both parties were arrested and declined medical treatment.
Homicide: On the afternoon of July 26, officers were called to the 400 block of Lagunaria Lane to conduct a welfare check. When officers arrived, they discovered two deceased individuals in the residence. The suspect was one of those found at the scene. While there are no outstanding suspects, officers continue to investigate.
A complete monthly summary of Alameda Police data can be found online at the Alameda Crime Activity page.
Adam Gillitt is the Publisher of the Alameda Post. Reach him at [email protected]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Adam-Gillitt.