Oakley PD Arrests a Suspect Fleeing from an Armed Robbery in Pittsburg
By Jim Emerson
OAKLEY — Nicholas E. Garcia, 53, of Lathrop, was arrested for an armed
robbery, following a pursuit by Oakley police on November 8. Garcia remains in
custody at the Martinez Detention Facility in lieu of $301,000 bond.
The pursuit started for failing to yield to an attempted traffic stop in Oakley.
Officers soon learned the same car was linked to a more serious incident
elsewhere. A dispatcher informed them this car was used in an armed robbery
earlier that day in Pittsburg. It was then traveling at a high rate of speed.
Road spikes were deployed near Brown and Laurel roads in Oakley, which
deflated two tires on the fleeing car. Nevertheless, the driver temporarily
continued fleeing from the police, while driving recklessly.
The driver later identified as Garcia slowed, and he finally stopped at Main
Street and O’Hara Avenue. Garcia next reportedly abandoned the disabled car,
and he ran toward West Acme Street.
The pursuit turned into a foot chase. An officer caught up with Garcia and
apprehended him, without any further reported incident. The suspect was safely
transported to the county jail.
Multiple charges have been filed against Garcia for what happened on
November 8 (Docket 03-26-03023). His charges include two felonies –
· Second-degree robbery
· Fleeing an officer while driving recklessly
Garcia is also charged with a misdemeanor for possession of an opium
pipe/smoking device/injection device. Additional charges include enhancements
for having prior convictions for serious felony offenses. Garcia has prior
convictions for grand theft, firearm possession, possession of a controlled
substance, among other crimes dating as far back as 1996.
