LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA — Two Oakland men have been arrested in connection with a series of vehicle burglaries targeting Lafayette, Orinda and Alamo over several weeks, following a dramatic police pursuit that included a wrong-way escape onto a Highway 24 onramp and a helicopter search that ultimately led officers to Oakland.
The suspects, identified by Lafayette police as Joel Hernandez-Lobatos, 23, and Urubiel Hernandez-Lobatos, 31, were arrested Tuesday, October 13, after authorities tracked a vehicle allegedly connected to multiple thefts across the Lamorinda area.
According to a Lafayette Police Department statement, the investigation escalated around 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, when Orinda police responded to a report of tools stolen from a work truck.
Investigators identified an Acura RDX allegedly used in the theft and connected the vehicle to other auto burglaries reported in Lafayette, Orinda and the Alamo area during the preceding weeks.
About 30 minutes later, at 11:45 a.m., a Lafayette police officer spotted the Acura in a residential neighborhood.
When the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled, prompting a police pursuit.
The chase ended when the suspect vehicle drove westbound onto the eastbound Highway 24 onramp at Acalanes Road, traveling against the intended direction of traffic.
Officers discontinued the pursuit and searched the surrounding area but were unable to locate the Acura.
Minutes later, Lafayette police received another report of tools stolen from a construction worker’s vehicle.
CHP Helicopter Tracks Suspects to Oakland
Although the suspects initially escaped officers on the ground, the investigation continued with assistance from the California Highway Patrol.
A CHP helicopter eventually located the Acura driving recklessly through Oakland streets, according to police.
The vehicle stopped outside a residence in the 7200 block of Fresno Street in Oakland, where its occupants entered a property.
Oakland police officers subsequently responded and arrested both suspects without incident.
Investigators searched the Acura and recovered property allegedly stolen during the Lafayette and Orinda burglaries that occurred earlier that day. A search of the property where the suspects had entered also uncovered additional evidence, according to police.
The arrests brought together law enforcement efforts spanning multiple East Bay communities, including Lafayette, Orinda, Oakland and the California Highway Patrol.
Authorities have not specified exactly how many vehicle burglaries the suspects may be connected to, the total value of the property stolen, or whether additional suspects are being investigated.
The Acura had reportedly been associated with burglaries across Lafayette, Orinda and Alamo over several weeks, but police specifically confirmed recovering property connected to the Lafayette and Orinda incidents on October 13.
The suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
