Man Arrested in Bay Area for Stealing Teachers’ Credit Cards

UPDATE: A man has been arrested in Walnut Creek for a crime spree involving stolen credit cards from teachers across five Bay Area counties. Authorities confirm that the suspect was apprehended while returning a rental car on October 30, 2023, after a detailed investigation by the Fremont Police Department.

The suspect, who had previously infiltrated school campuses under false pretenses, reportedly posed as a parent or staff member to access classrooms. Sergeant Richard Hamblin of the Fremont Police Department stated, “It appears he was very comfortable on a school campus, giving various excuses when confronted.”

The investigation began earlier this month when a Fremont elementary school reported a suspicious individual roaming the grounds. Upon investigation, staff found him giving conflicting explanations for his presence, prompting police to look deeper into his activities.

Police discovered that the suspect would enter unoccupied classrooms, stealing teachers’ IDs and credit cards, often without the victims realizing they had been targeted until receiving fraud alerts at home. “Many people did not even know they were victims until they got home and started getting fraud alerts,” Hamblin added.

The suspect is linked to thefts in multiple counties including Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, Solano, and Yolo. Incidents were reported at four schools in Marin County in February and two schools in Lafayette in April. Authorities are still investigating potential additional victims across other districts.

On Monday, Fremont police tracked the suspect to a parking lot where he was returning a rental car. Officers from Walnut Creek quickly responded and arrested him, apprehending him in a marked police unit. “Our officer called Walnut Creek PD and they were able to catch him,” Hamblin stated.

The suspect had previously been arrested following the Marin County burglaries, but it remains unclear how he was released. “I know he was arrested and then let go. We were actively looking for him,” Hamblin remarked.

Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan commended the police for their swift action, emphasizing the importance of safety in schools. He stated, “As a parent and as Mayor, nothing matters more to me than the safety of our children and teachers.”

While there are no indications that the suspect threatened or harmed any students or staff, the arrest highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement in protecting educational environments. The suspect is currently held in Contra Costa County Jail and is expected to appear in court next week.

This urgent development serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges schools face regarding safety and security. As police continue their investigations, the community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.