By Jim Emerson
NEWARK, CA — Samuel Grajales, 34, of Fremont, was arrested and convicted for
brandishing a firearm in Newark earlier this month.
Grajales, a felon, pleaded no contest and was subsequently sentenced to one year of probation.
On April 9 shortly before 8 a.m., Newark officers responded to a report of a man brandishing
a firearm in a parking lot.
The incident occurred at Home Depot, 5401 Thornton Avenue. A witness attempted to video record the suspect loading stolen power tools into a car. The
suspect responded by threatening the witness with a handgun, according to Newark police.
The witness provided police with a description of the suspect, and the car he used to flee from
the scene.
Grajales’ car was detected by an automated license plate reader, and Newark
police arrested Grajales in Oakland on April 9 at 9:46 a.m.
The Southern Alameda County Major Crimes Task Force assisted in the investigation leading
to his apprehension.
Detectives recovered stolen power tools from his vehicle. On April 22,
Grajales was convicted for brandishing a firearm, but shoplifting charges were dismissed.
Grajales has prior convictions and arrests on his record. He was convicted in August 2023 for
possession of a firearm by a felon, and sentenced to probation.
In 2011, Grajales was convicted for second-degree robbery involving a carjacking. He has prior arrests for theft of a
dog, grand theft, hit and run, and vehicular manslaughter, among other offenses. He also has
prior arrests involving carrying a concealed firearm.
Photo: Stock Image
