The Blotter | Suspect flees after firing gun into air on Lake Avenue

Incident occurred during a car break-in

A suspect shot into the air while attempting to break into a car on Lake Avenue on Oct. 16. Piedmont Police officers were dispatched to the area at 10:34 p.m. The reporting person was walking on Lake Avenue and said people were shouting and that they witnessed an unknown suspect smashing the passenger side window of an Audi, according to Piedmont Police Capt. Chris Monahan.

The suspect reportedly fired a single shot into the air then fled.


On Oct. 12, a report came in of a white male not wearing pants at Witter Field at Piedmont High School. The report came in at 12:26 p.m. from Piedmont Unified School District staff.

Police arrived and found the individual at the softball field, attempting to open a metal container in the dugout, according to Monahan. Piedmont police followed the subject and eventually detained him. The person was identified and found to have a warrant for grand theft from San Mateo County. He was arrested for the warrant and for trespassing. He was taken to Santa Rita Jail in Dublin.

In an email to PUSD families about the incident, PMS Principal Karyn Shipp wrote that a dog walker witnessed the man:

The police arrived promptly and detained the individual. I want to assure you that all students and staff remained safe, and it does not appear any students witnessed the incident, however, several students did see the end of the arrest.

Despite being unsettling, law enforcement responded quickly to this isolated incident. As always, our top priority is ensuring a safe, positive learning environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.


Also on Oct. 12, an individual was arrested for DUI on Grand Avenue. Officers said the individual was going 50 mph in a black 2001 BMW X5. According to Monahan, officers found the driver to show signs of intoxication. An open bottle of tequila was found inside the car. The driver refused to come to the sidewalk so officers could conduct field sobriety tests. According to Monahan, the driver became aggressive and refused to get off his phone. Eventually, officers took the male suspect to the ground.

He was arrested and charged with DUI and resisting arrest. A blood warrant was issued as the driver refused to take a blood or breath test. He was taken to Santa Rita Jail, booked and released.

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