SLPD display pic of Wengate Street marijuana grow
SAN LEANDRO – While responding to 911 calls reporting gunfire at 2:45 a.m. Sunday, San Leandro police found an illegal marijuana growing operation located inside a house on the 15000 block of Wengate Street.
One man was arrested, but his name and the charges have not been released by police because an investigation is still underway, said Lt. Robert McManus. The man is suspected of illegally growing cannabis.
An unknown car sped away from the scene of the shooting before police arrived. Afterwards, police located several spent bullet shell casings near the residence, believed to have been fired from a semi-automatic pistol. The evidence was sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Police located a Hispanic man believed to be in his 70s walking away from the area of the shooting, whom they determined was connected to the house. Police obtained a warrant and searched the house with the assistance of a K-9 team from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.
The search of the house and nearby neighborhood failed to yield any additional suspects or possible victims, but police instead found and seized several hundred marijuana plants, estimated to be worth $10,000, being grown inside the house. Police also recovered approximately $500 worth of cannabis processed and ready for sale.
Narcotics investigators estimate the operation on Wengate Street was capable of producing $150,000 worth of cannabis annually.
A PG&E crew was summoned to the scene to disconnect power to the house that had been connected clandestinely to avoid paying electric bills, which would be excessive due to the amount of growing equipment on site, according to police.
Modified electric connections typically found at grow houses pose a fire risk to neighbors and the community, with overloaded circuits that can also knock out power to nearby homes.
Police are asking anyone with surveillance video or other information to contact them at 510-577-3230.
