Two Men Charged in Grand Avenue Robbery

The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged suspects in a recent Grand Avenue robbery with 16 separate counts of robbery, according to the Oakland Police Department.

Forrest Greely, 32, of Pittsburg was charged with nine counts of robbery and Billy Hall, 57, of Oakland was charged with seven counts, according to the OPD. Both Greely and Hall were arrested by OPD patrol officers, and Major Crimes Section investigators then tied the arrests to additional reported crimes near the area, an OPD press release said.

Greely is being held in custody in lieu of $655,000 bail and Hall is being held in lieu of $275,000 bail. They are scheduled to return to court next Friday for a preliminary hearing.

According to the release, "On Feb. 16, 2012, at approximately 10:45 p.m., two victims were approached by two suspects in the 3300 block of Grand Avenue and robbed at gunpoint.

"When officers responded, one of the victims advised the officers that tracking software was installed on his iPad. Officers used the technology to locate the stolen cell phone that had been taken from the victim, and were directed to the location of the suspects who were found in possession of the cell phone. As a result, both suspects were detained and positively identified by both victims.

"Further investigation led officers to discover that one of the suspects was in a vehicle that had been used in several additional robberies earlier in the evening. Officers recovered loss from inside the suspect vehicle that was connected to previous robberies.

"It was later determined that the firearm used in the Grand Avenue robbery was a replica."

The release also included these safety reminders:

Don't appear to be a good target:

• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Don’t be distracted by cell phones or electronic devices.
• Stay in well-lit and populated areas as much as possible.
• Be especially alert when entering and exiting your vehicle.
• Remember to lock your car door after entering your vehicle.

Take precautions, report crimes and suspicious activity:

• If someone or something looks suspicious, call the police.
• Prepare to provide your carrier service, phone number, make and model, and IMEI number when filing a police report and contacting your carrier.
• Consider installing anti-theft or tracking software, and using phone locking or PIN features.
• Consider the use of ultra-violet pen markings on your handset and battery, and report marking details when filing a police report.