Photo: Stock Image
Written By: Jim Emerson
SAN LEANDRO — A suspect is in custody for allegedly murdering an armored car driver at Kaiser Permanente San Leandro Medical Center. The 60-year-old victim was exiting the hospital with a bag full of cash and fatally shot.
The victim John Mendez was shot September 7 shortly after 11:30 a.m. Responding officers found the armored car driver suffering from a gunshot wound in his head. He died inside the hospital. The driver worked for GardaWorld for almost 40 years.
Investigators reviewed surveillance video from Kaiser. It shows the murderer shooting the victim and stealing a moneybag. Investigators also reviewed GPS tracking data, which places the suspect’s phone at the crime scene.
It turns out the suspect Akbar Bey, 27, of Oakland, was formerly the victim’s work partner at GardaWorld. Bey was fired from his job for allegedly stealing from the company.
On October 5 at approximately 5 a.m., San Leandro police served search and arrest warrants at Bey’s residence in Oakland. Bey was arrested at 5:05 a.m., without further incident.
In a prepared statement San Leandro police said. “Detectives obtained a full confession from Bey surrounding his involvement in this case. This includes shooting Mr. Mendez in the back of his head before he stole the bag with cash.”
Bey is housed at Santa Rita Jail. He is being held in custody ineligible for release on bond, pending a plea hearing on October 21. Bey faces 13 charges, including murder, second-degree robbery, and related charges.
