Reckless Driver With 13 Convictions Faces New Theft Charges

A 31‑year‑old man in Oakland now faces two new vehicle theft accusations. He already has 13 felony convictions, six of them for stealing cars.

The Incident

On May 19, a 76‑year‑old truck owner was unloading furniture when the suspect saw an empty car parked nearby. The suspect jumped into the open truck and drove away. While escaping, he tried to evade a police officer. The owner grabbed the truck’s door but was dragged for half a block before falling and getting cuts and bruises.

The stolen truck was later found in Alameda. Police chased it for a short time before the California Highway Patrol (CHP) took over. The chase went through Oakland, Richmond and across the Bay Bridge. Spike strips were set up by CHP and San Francisco police to stop the truck, but it still managed to drive a few miles before crashing in Bayview. The suspect was arrested at the crash site.

Allegations and Current Status

The driver told investigators that he stole the truck to pay a debt. He is being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail while awaiting arraignment and parole hearings.

Past Convictions

• Thefts: 2025, 2022, 2017, 2016, 2013 (two counts)
• Other crimes: robbery, illegal possession of ammunition, multiple offenses for evading police

He served time after the 2016 case and was on probation for the others. Prison terms were received for those offenses.