Man Arrested for a Caustic Chemical Attack at Casa Blanca Apartments in Alameda
– By Jim Emerson
ALAMEDA, CA — Thomas E. Miller, 52, of Alameda, was arrested several hours after a caustic
chemical attack occurred on March 16. Miller remains in custody at Alameda County Santa
Rita Jail in lieu of $150,000 bond.
The attack happened at the Casa Blanca Apartments, 724 Santa Clara Avenue. Miller, a
former resident at the apartment complex, allegedly discharged “bear spray” inside a door,
which spread throughout a confined hallway.
Police officers and a hazmat team from the Alameda Fire Department were dispatched to the
scene at approximately 2 p.m. The suspect later identified as Miller had already fled when first
responders arrived. Residents in the vicinity were temporarily evacuated.
“First responders encountered several residents suffering respiratory distress,” Alameda
police said in a prepared statement. “A total of six individuals were treated at the scene. One
adult and a child were subsequently transported to a local hospital.”
The caustic chemical derived from chili peppers is normally used to repel bears. Regulated
like a pesticide, bear spray causes respiratory distress and temporary loss of vision. It also
causes irritation to exposed skin.
Automated license plate readers and surveillance videos were checked to identify the
suspect’s vehicle. At approximately 5 p.m., Alameda officers found Miller two miles away.
He was taken into custody on the 2200 block of South Shore Boulevard, without further incident.
Miller was booked on suspicion of assault with a caustic chemical, and felony child
endangerment.
