– By Jim Emerson
OAKLAND, CA — A fugitive pursued from San Francisco to Oakland remains in custody at
Alameda County Santa Rita Jail.
Joseph C. Willis, 26, of San Francisco, allegedly attempted to murder an SFPD officer who followed him to Oakland.
Willis allegedly used his vehicle as a weapon on January 27, while trying to avoid arrest by
SFPD. He was wanted in connection with multiple violent felonies in San Francisco.
Willis was placed under arrest later on January 27 by Oakland police. He has been charged in
Alameda County, because the incident with the SFPD officer happened in Oakland.
The San Francisco officer was struck on the 800 block of 47th Street in North Oakland. Willis
fled from the scene prompting further pursuit on Oakland city streets.
Willis was apprehended near Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, after he allegedly rammed
an Oakland police car. Before finally being taken into custody, Willis fled on foot and he
allegedly attempted a carjacking.
The Alameda District Attorney’s Office announced in a prepared statement that Willis is
charged with multiple felonies. His charges include attempted murder, and three counts of
assault upon an officer with a deadly weapon.
Additional charges filed against him include attempted carjacking, possession of a firearm and
ammunition by a prohibited person. Special allegation enhancements include charges for
using a deadly weapon, and inflicting great bodily injury.
Willis is being held in custody without bond, pending a hearing to revoke probation involving a
prior conviction. Willis has multiple prior arrests on his record for burglary, grand theft, vehicle
theft, and possession of a controlled substance.
