16-year-old suspect arrested after chase from Contra Costa to SF and back, striking CHP K9

By CHP – Golden Gate Division

A 16-year-old male is in custody after fleeing from a Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Deputy and striking a California Highway Patrol (CHP) canine.

On Friday, August 25, 2023, at approximately 3:20 p.m., officers assigned to the CHP’s Oakland Area Office were advised of a white Infinity sedan that had fled from CCSO Deputies.  The deputy had attempted to stop the vehicle on Hwy 4 in Hercules for a vehicle code violation, but the driver refused to stop and fled from the deputy.  After a brief pursuit, a CCSO helicopter arrived overhead, and the deputy discontinued his pursuit. Despite having no law enforcement pursuing him, the suspect continued driving recklessly, now traveling westbound on I-80 toward Oakland.  After crossing the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, the suspect exited into San Francisco and began driving recklessly on city streets.

A CHP helicopter arrived overhead shortly after the vehicle entered San Francisco and was able to provide updates to officers in the area.  At one point, the Infinity collided with other vehicles and came to a stop.  CHP officers nearby were on scene soon after and believed the suspect was now boxed in.  Believing the suspect might run from officers, a CHP officer retrieved his canine partner, Champ, from his vehicle.  As the officer prepared Champ for deployment, the suspect drove toward them, striking Champ and another vehicle.

The suspect re-entered the SFOBB and began traveling eastbound on I-80 toward Oakland.  Two CHP officers briefly attempted to stop the suspect vehicle as it traveled across the bridge but discontinued due to the suspect’s reckless disregard for the safety of others on the roadway.  A CHP helicopter continued following the suspect as he traveled into Richmond and eventually abandoned his vehicle near Booker T. Anderson Jr. Park.  The suspect ran into a nearby apartment complex where he hid from pursuing officers.

Law enforcement from the CHP, CCSO, and the Richmond Police Department (RPD) quickly responded to the scene and formed a perimeter around the building.  Law enforcement initially provided numerous commands for the suspect to surrender, however he refused to come out.  Shortly after 9 p.m., officers utilized vehicle loud speakers to call out for the suspect to surrender or they would begin entering apartments to locate him.  Soon after, the suspect emerged from the apartment and surrendered.  The suspect, a 16-year-old male, was taken into custody without incident.  Following his arrest, the juvenile was booked into a local juvenile hall on numerous misdemeanor and felony charges.

After being struck by the suspect on city streets in San Francisco, K9 Champ was transported to an emergency vet where he received excellent care.  We are pleased to say that Champ sustained no major injuries and is expected to recover.  We would like to thank the incredible staff who made sure Champ was well taken care of after this incident. Even though he doesn’t want to, Champ will be taking a little time off to recover and make sure he’s back to 100% before he’s back out on the streets doing what he does best (the last photo shows Champ recovering at home today).

We would like to thank our law enforcement partners from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and Richmond Police Department as well as the Richmond Fire Department for their assistance in bringing this incident to a successful and uneventful conclusion.  We would also like to thank the residents who were evacuated from their homes for their patience as we did everything we could to bring this incident to a peaceful resolution.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.