Citizen's Phone Call Leads to Arrest, Recovery of Stolen Car Near Piedmont

An alert Oakland citizen's call to police Saturday morning led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle, the arrest of the driver and the recovery of a replica firearm, according to an Oakland Police Department community message.

"Shortly after midnight, March 3, 2012, a citizen saw three unfamiliar individuals suspiciously walking back and forth from a parked vehicle in the neighborhood of Sunnyhills Road," says the OPD press release.

"Patrol officers responded after the citizen's call to dispatchers revealed that the parked vehicle was reported stolen on Feb. 27, 2012.

"When officers arrived, all three suspects hid in nearby yards. A methodical search and investigation caused the recovery of a discarded replica firearm/pellet gun (often used in crimes of robbery, carjacking, and intimidation due to their authentic appearances) and the arrest of a male believed to be the driver of the stolen vehicle. Also in his possession was an instruction manual for the pellet gun and several methamphetamine pipes."

"The citizens in this case did an excellent job in reporting suspicious activity," said OPD Lieutenant Donna Hoppenhauer.