– By Jim Emerson
OAKLAND, CA — Charges were filed on October 13 against freeway shooting suspect Carlos R. Thomas,
57, of Oakland.
Thomas remains in custody at Alameda County Santa Rita Jail ineligible for release
on bond, since his arrest on October 9.
Thomas is suspected of shooting at least three vehicles in one day.
California Highway Patrol responded to shootings on October 9 at the beginning of rush hour. CHP officers were dispatched to
eastbound State Route 24, west of Tunnel Road in Oakland.
One driver stopped after their vehicle was damaged by gunfire from a passing vehicle, and called for
police. Two more drivers contacted CHP after arriving home, and reported their vehicles were struck
by gunfire.
Multiple witnesses reported the shootings, and provided a description of the suspect’s vehicle, which
continued traveling to Walnut Creek. Shortly after 4 p.m., Thomas crashed into the center divide on
southbound Interstate 680, near Olympic Boulevard.
Thomas attempted to flee on foot as multiple CHP units arrived, and took him into custody without
further incident. Officers recovered a firearm from Thomas, and he was placed under arrest at 4:22
p.m., near the interchange of I-680 and State Route 24 in Contra Costa County.
Thomas has prior felony convictions and his charges include possession of a firearm by a felon.
Additional charges filed against Thomas include multiple counts for –
· Shooting at an occupied vehicle
· Assault with a semiautomatic firearm
· Use of a firearm
