News Release, Police Department, Public Safety

Officer Involved Shooting

March 16, 2021

HAYWARD, Calif., March 16, 2021— We are actively investigating an officer involved shooting that happened today at about 11:38 A.M. in the parking lot of a Motel 6 in the 30000 block of Industrial Parkway Southwest.

Since December of 2020, the Hayward Police Department has responded to and investigated at least 12 robberies, all of which involved the theft of purses from lone female victims.  Many of the victims were elderly females returning to their cars after using banks or bank ATMs and several of the robberies involved physical assaults resulting in injury.  Other jurisdictions throughout the Bay Area have experienced similar crimes during the same time frame. 

At least one recent robbery occurred involving what victims and witnesses described as a blue Volvo with a white paper license plate on the rear bumper.  Yesterday, while providing extra patrol at the location of several robberies, Hayward Police Officers observed a vehicle matching that description circling the area.  When they tried to contact the occupants, the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed.

Subsequent investigation led to the location today of a vehicle matching the description above in the parking lot of a Motel 6 in the 30000 block of Industrial Parkway Southwest.  When Hayward Police Officers attempted to detain several subjects inside, the driver accelerated striking police vehicles multiple times. Then, an officer involved shooting occurred.

The driver of the vehicle was struck by gunfire and transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.  His identity is being withheld at this time pending the notification of next of kin. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the deceased man and the officers involved in this tragic incident.

Additionally, a Hayward Police Officer was transported to a local hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.  We are not releasing the identity of the involved officers at this time as this is an active investigation.

Anytime Hayward Police Officers use force, regardless of the degree, it is a serious matter that requires a thorough investigation.  We are in the process of gathering evidence and conducting interviews of witnesses as well as those involved in this incident.  The Hayward Police Department and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office are conducting simultaneous investigations into this incident.  Once these investigations are completed, this matter will be referred to the State of California Office of the Attorney General for review.

If anyone has information that can assist this investigation, please call Detective Kell at 510-293-7176.

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