The Blotter Highlights ending March 26, 2023

ARSON

On Sunday, March 19th, at approximately 2:30 a.m., an unknown suspect set fire to at least 12 garbage cans in the Marketplace Shopping Center.  Officers did not locate the suspect, and no structural damage resulted from the fires.

MURDER

On Monday, March 13th, at approximately 11:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to the railroad tracks near the 33300 block of Central Avenue regarding a possible dead body.  Upon arrival, Officers found an unconscious male suffering from various injuries.  The male was later pronounced deceased. The identity of the male has not yet been determined, but he appeared to be in his mid-thirties.  Union City PD detectives identified Brandon Kong as the suspect and arrested him a couple of weeks later.

SHOOTING

On Sunday, March 19th, at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers responded to a shooting in the 33000 block of Calistoga Street.  Multiple callers reported hearing several gunshots. There was at least one victim who was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital. The investigation is active and anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Detective Rodriquez at 510-675-5282 or by email HumbertoR@unioncity.org. You may also leave a voicemail at 510-675-5207, or email tips@unioncity.org.

ROBBERIES AND ATTEMPTED ROBBERIES 

On Tuesday, March 14th, at approximately 3:45 p.m., three suspects entered a business in the 1600 block of Decoto Road and stole fingernail polish.  When confronted by store management the suspects attempted to steal the victim's smartphone from her grasp. The suspects fled the area on foot towards BART and were not found by responding officers.  All three suspects were described as Black males, between fifteen and twenty years of age.

ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON

On Sunday, March 19th, at approximately 3:15 p.m., a witness reported seeing an assault in the 1600 block of Decoto Road. The caller told police he saw two men arguing when one pulled out a pistol and pointed it at the other. The suspect entered a white Toyota sedan and fled toward Decoto Rd.  Officers found the suspect vehicle nearby and stopped it.  They contacted the driver, who was heavily intoxicated and in possession of a handgun.  Officers placed the suspect under arrest for assault with a firearm, illegal possession of a firearm, and driving under the influence.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

On Tuesday, March 14th, at approximately 5:00 a.m., officers responded to a collision in the 33100 block of Arizona Street.  Upon arrival, officers found the car on the lawn of a residence, with the driver passed out at the wheel.  They woke the driver and determined he was intoxicated.  Officers arrested him for driving under the influence of alcohol.

On Friday, March 17th, at approximately 11:45 p.m., officers responded to a reported collision on Union City Boulevard and Dyer Street.  They contacted the driver, who exhibited objective symptoms of alcohol intoxication and therefore was arrested for driving under the influence.