Photo: Stock Image
Written By: Jim Emerson
SAN LEANDRO — Two men got caught allegedly stealing catalytic converters from vehicles parked on public school property. They were detained and arrested for theft and for having burglary tools in their possession.
This incident occurred in the parking lot at James Madison Elementary School on Juniper Street. It happened during the predawn hours of December 22nd. Police responded to a report of suspicious person seen on the school campus.
Officers observed a green sedan in the parking lot—with no license plates. A middle-aged man was standing next to the car, apparently serving as a lookout. The man was identified as Omar Rivera, (46) of Stockton.
While Rivera was being detained, officers could hear someone nearby using a power tool. Upon further investigation, officers noticed a flashlight shining underneath a school bus.
Rivera was arrested at 2:22 a.m. and transported to Santa Rita Jail. Rivera was booked for burglary, possession of a controlled substance for sale, among other offenses.
The second suspect Ramon Ramirez (43) of Oakland, was also arrested for theft and possession of burglary tools.
Rivera and Ramirez were both recently charged by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. Their arrests were then announced by San Leandro PD.
Two other persons at the school parking lot on January 9th were arrested also. Arriving officers could hear a power tool, and two suspects immediately fled. However, they were arrested following a pursuit along Mission Street. Police arrested them for probable cause for catalytic converter theft. Their identities were undisclosed prior to charges being filed against them.
