– By Jim Emerson
BERKELEY, CA — A felon convicted for a home-invasion robbery 20 years ago was arrested—for
multiple recent invasion robberies.
Albert Decoto, 46, of Oakland, remains behind bars in lieu of $480,000 bond. His girlfriend who allegedly helped him was also arrested, but she was
released.
Decoto and Christina M. Osborne, 46, of Hayward, were apprehended, after Decoto’s vehicle
was observed in Hayward.
Berkeley police arrested the couple on October 9, with assistance
from Hayward PD.
“When officers attempted to stop Decoto, he rammed multiple vehicles, and drove at an
officer,” Berkeley police said in a prepared statement. “The officer had to jump out of the way
to avoid being struck. Decoto then fled on foot, and attempted to carjack another vehicle.”
Police caught up and placed Decoto under arrest, following a brief struggle.
His girlfriend Osborne was found nearby, and she was arrested without further incident. Decoto remains
housed at Alameda County Santa Rita Jail.
Multiple home invasion robberies occurred in Berkeley between September 17 and October 1.
Decoto allegedly entered victims’ homes and confronted them in their bedrooms or living
rooms. Threats were made to victims, personal belongings stolen, and the suspect fled in
stolen vehicles.
“In one case the suspect threatened to shoot a resident,” according to
Berkeley PD.
Decoto was booked on suspicion of –
· Burglary
· Robbery
· Assault with a deadly weapon/not a firearm
· Taking a vehicle without owner’s consent
· Carjacking
· Conspiracy
· Resist/obstruct an officer
An automated license plate reader identified Osborne’s vehicle, following a stolen vehicle
used for a home invasion robbery. Osborne was booked on suspicion of –
· Robbery
· Taking a vehicle without owner’s consent
· Conspiracy
· Accessory after the fact
