***HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION***
Yesterday, at about 8:00PM our officers responded to the area of Huntwood Avenue and Shepherd Avenue to a report of a shooting. A short time later a man arrived at a local hospital with gunshot wound(s). Medical personnel later pronounced the man deceased.
The identity of the deceased man is known, however being withheld at this time.
Anyone with information related to this homicide is asked to call 510-293-7176.
We want to thank the community for their patience as we continue this investigation. We will release more details as soon as possible.
The Hayward PD case number is 2020-050718.
Sergeant Ruben Pola
What’s so great about August 13th? That date marks the beginning and end of a fantastic career!
It was way back on this day in 1990 that Ruben Pola was hired as a police officer. And, yesterday, Sergeant Pola retired after 30-years as he turned in his police cap for a cowboy hat. You see, Sgt. Pola is a cowpoke at heart. 😊
His accomplishments and contributions to Hayward PD are too many to list. Ruben was a Field Training Officer, a member of our Special Response Team, a School Resource Officer, a facilitator for the City of Hayward cultural diversity training, and he was selected as the Hayward Chamber of Commerce Police Officer of the Year!
Here’s one more accomplishment: he recently earned his Master of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice!
Congratulations on your retirement Sergeant Pola! We will miss you!
SURPRISE! We are excited to announce that Junior Giants at Home has been extended for another four weeks! Register today for our Extra Innings Season - your final chance to join a virtual team this summer. Live, online practices begin on Monday, August 3. Be sure to click the link in our bio to sign up & tag a friend below to let them know!
https://jrgiantsathome.org/-junior-giants/register
SOPRESA! Estamos muy emocionados de anunciar que Junior Giants en Casa va seguir otra temporada! Registrese ahora en nuestro Temporada de Entradas Extra. Esta es tu última oportunidad a unirte con Junior Giants! Las practicas van a ser en vivo empezando en lunes 3 de Agosto. El enlace esta en nuestro Bio! Dile a tus amigos que se apunten!
https://jrgiantsathome.org/-junior-giants/register
Chief Toney Chaplin’s Message
A message from our Chief Toney Chaplin to our community.
Press Conference for Officer Involved Shooting from May 27 2020
Watch today's full press conference for the Officer Involved Shooting that occurred May 27, 2020
Watch the Critical Incident Video using the following YouTube Link:
https://youtu.be/xh1SlGiJgDI
167th Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Basic Police Academy
When the recruits in the 167th Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Basic Police Academy started last year, they had no idea what to expect. Graduating the police academy is challenging enough without a global pandemic. However, we are happy to report they made it in spite of all the challenges they faced!
Yesterday, Chief Toney Chaplin had the pleasure of attending the virtual academy graduation, which was live streamed for family and friends to watch. This graduating class is very important to Chief Chaplin because it’s the first class graduating under the COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders. It is also special because Chief Chaplin graduated his academy on the same date 30 years ago!
The Hayward Police Department is very proud of our six new officers for all of their hard work and dedication! Welcome to our HPD family and our wonderful community: Officers Michael Barlow, Natanael Muerset, Cesar Macias, Monette Bennett, Jujhar Singh and Arash Aliyar!
Thank you to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office for continuing to run an outstanding academy while ensuring the safety of our recruits during this unprecedented time.
Congratulations to Officer Cesar Macias and Officer Natanael Muerset for becoming US Citizens while attending the academy!!!
Law enforcement remains committed to continue to recruit and train the best candidates for the safety of our community. If you’re interested in a job in law enforcement please visit https://joinhaywardpd.com/
National Hospital Week 2020
This is National Hospital Week – a week we can appreciate more than ever!
National Hospital Week 2020 (May 10th-16th) highlights the adage of every hospital, health system and person involved in keeping our communities healthy-that health comes first.
Now is a good time to highlight our hospitals, health systems and health care workers and the innovative ways they are supporting the needs of their community members during this pandemic.
We are very thankful for all the health care heroes across the nation that go to work to fight against COVID-19.
And special thanks to St. Rose Hospital! We are very lucky to have you in our City and grateful for everything you have done and continue to do!
Watch this video in which our Dayshift Shift- Team A drives by to say “Thank you St. Rose!”
Homicide Investigation
***HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION***
Today, at about 4:17PM our officers responded to the area of Industrial Pkwy and Pacific Street to a call for service. Upon arrival, we located a man who was unresponsive. Emergency medical personnel pronounced the man deceased at the scene.
The identity of the deceased man is known, however being withheld at this time until proper notification is made to his family.
Anyone with information related to this homicide is asked to call 510-293-7176.
We want to thank the community for their patience as we continue this investigation. We will release more details as soon as possible.
The Hayward PD case number is 2020-026058.
Have you ever wondered what police officers do before starting their shift?
They attend something called “Patrol Briefing.” Patrol briefing is a meeting inside the police department where officers exchange important information. They discuss different incidents that occurred on other patrol shifts, investigations, criminal activity in the city, etc.
Our officers are now having their patrol briefing outdoors. We believe in the importance of social distancing and staying healthy so we can continue to protect and serve!
We’re all in this together.
What are we doing to make sure we have a safe work environment during this health crisis?
Well, many things and here’s one of them: We check the temperatures of our family as they come to work using a quick and easy digital thermometer.
We do this because we are committed to doing everything that we can to protect our HPD family and our community.
St. Rose Hospital
Doctors, Nurses and Healthcare Workers
They are putting their health on the line to fight COVID-19. They work long hours and many do so away from their families. They mourn those that cannot be saved. And, they cheer on those who leave the hospital after beating this terrible disease.
Our health care workers across the country, and here at home, deserve themselves to hear our cheers.
It was our honor, along with our friends in the Hayward Fire Department, to put our hands together, flash our lights, and wail our sirens for the heroes at St. Rose Hospital. Your actions and risks taken to protect this community will never be forgotten.
Thank you to the nurses, doctors, and staff for your dedication and for sending us a video of what we hope was a moment that brightened your day.
Hayward Fire News
Homicide Investigation
Last night, at about 11:30 PM, our officers responded to an assault with a deadly weapon in the 30000 Block of Vanderbilt Street.
Upon arrival, we located a man and woman who were injured. The man was provided medical attention at the scene, however, was pronounced deceased. The woman was transported to the hospital where she was treated for her injuries and is in stable condition.
The suspect was arrested and is currently in custody. The preliminary investigation indicates the suspect and victims were family members and this was not a random act of violence. This incident is not connected to any recent homicides and there are no safety concerns to our community.
We are in the early stages of the investigation and the information that we can provide at this time is limited. We will release more details as soon as possible.
Anyone with information related to this homicide is asked to call 510-293-7176.
We want to thank the community for their patience as we continue to investigate.
This is Hayward’s 5th homicide of 2020. The Hayward PD case number is 2020-018279.
K-9 Petro
Happy Belated Birthday to K-9 Petro!!!!
Most of you remember Petro. He is half Belgian Malinois and half German Shepherd. His handler is Officer Steve Avila and together they make a great team!
Yesterday, was Petro’s 8th Birthday...or if you really want to get specific, he turned 56 years old in dog years.
Petro celebrated at home by eating some whip cream cake. He even blew out his candle and made a birthday wish (he wouldn’t say what it was).
And, despite being the birthday boy, he insisted on heading out to work with Steve. Thank you for your dedication Petro!!!
William and Sherri
Meet William and Sherri – both had been homeless for 5 years.
That was until they met District Command Sgt. Tommie Clayton back in November and he referred them to the Hayward Navigation Center. And, in just three weeks, the non-profit that helps with services for those without a home found William and Sherri a place to live in Stockton.
William and Sherri say they’re grateful for Sgt. Clayton. We’re grateful to them for being a wonderful example of a fresh start that we hope others in need can soon realize.
For more information on the Navigation Center visit:
https://www.hayward-ca.gov/services/city-services/hayward-housing-navigation-center
*****HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION****
Today, at around midnight, our officers responded to the area of Mission Blvd. and Blanche St. for a possible shooting. During the initial investigation, officers did not locate any victims.
Approximately 30 minutes later, two victims suffering from gunshot wounds were located in Oakland. One male was provided medical attention at the scene, however, was pronounced deceased. The other male was transported to a local hospital and was treated. It was determined the victims were associated with the shooting reported at Mission Blvd. and Blanche St.
The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Anyone with information related to this homicide is asked to call 510-293-7176.
We want to thank the community for their patience as we continue this investigation. We will release more details as soon as possible.
This is Hayward’s 4th homicide of 2020. The Hayward PD case number is 2020-15657.
Patrol Officers Assist
She was so determined to vote, her battery went dead!
Officers Dominic Bongiovanni and Steve Avila learned the story when they met Barbara Handis after she reached out for help. She left her home on election day with the assistance of her motorized chair. The problem was she had driven quite a bit to find her polling place and, as a result, she ran out of juice…but there’s more to the story.
Our patrol officers came up with a plan to use a city truck with a liftgate to get her motorized chair back to Barbara’s home. And while they waited, they helped her find her polling place, gave her a ride, and then a lift back home.
Thank you Barbara for putting a smile on our faces…and for going the extra mile to exercise your right to vote!
Read Across America
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!
Today, the celebrated author, Dr. Seuss would have turned 116. Did you know he served in the Army during World War II as a short film producer? He later focused on writing children’s books, selling over 600 million copies.
Our patrol officers got ready in line-up with some tongue twisters to make sure they were ready for today.
This morning, we celebrated Dr. Seuss by participating in Read Across America at Treeview Elementary. We read books to the students and had time for Q&A.
Check out the fun and tell us what your favorite Dr. Seuss book is!
***Police Investigation***
Today, at about 6:19 AM our officers responded to the 1400 block of W. Winton Ave for a report of a woman, who was seriously injured. Our officers along with paramedics responded to the scene and the woman was transported to a local hospital.
At this time, we are investigating how the woman was injured. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to call 510-293-7176.
We want to thank the community for their patience as we continue this investigation. We will release more details as soon as possible.
5K Memorial Run for Hayward Police Officer Benjamin Warren Worcester
Thank you to the Alameda County Sheriff's Office training staff and Academy Class 166 for organizing a 5K Memorial Run and 2 Mile Walk for Hayward Police Officer Benjamin Warren Worcester who we lost in the line of duty on March 25th, 1987. Officer Worcester’s family and friends attended this event to honor him.
We also wish the graduates of ACSO 166 success and good luck in their new career! Academy Class 166 graduated today adding new deputies and officers to our law enforcement family. Congratulations!
Human Trafficking Presentation
Hayward Neighborhood Alert
What is human trafficking? Did you know there are many types? How can we raise awareness and know the signs and impact of human trafficking?
Those are just some of the many questions answered by District Command Lieutenant Ryan Cantrell as he spoke to Hayward Neighborhood Alert (HNA) last Wednesday.
It was a talk that also piqued the interest of the media. The more sunlight shined on this issue, the sooner we save young lives from a dark world.
Watch the NBC Bay Area Interview by Sergio Quintana:
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/east-bay/hayward-police-hold-meeting-as-part-of-national-human-trafficking-awareness-month/2223376/
Anthony
Take a look at that video - that smile is the sign of a young man’s tough day turning into a really good day.
While on a call for service, Officer Dadej ran across 11-year-old Anthony. He lives with his mom and three sisters. That morning he was having a rough time and was pretty upset with his siblings.
Once Officer Dadej heard the story, he knew exactly what to do. He talked with Anthony, who he found to be well spoken beyond his age and polite. And, Anthony was really interested in someday becoming a Police Officer.
That’s when his ride to school began. A wide-eyed Anthony sat up front and topped off his trip by communicating with dispatch and reporting they had arrived!
An exciting day for Anthony. And, certainly a highlight in Officer Dadej’s day.
Operation Pinch a Grinch
Operation Pinch a Grinch
Not one, not two…but THREE grinches were captured right before Christmas!
In the beginning of last summer, retail stores at Southland Mall requested our help to curtail a growing number of grab-and-run thefts that were causing financial loss. The suspects were also assaulting the retailers during the incidents.
Our Patrol Officers and District Command Unit came to the rescue and started proactively working with the stores to try and capture the suspects. They were successful in making arrests and the number of grab-and-runs went down. One of the stores even said that they have not had a grab-and-run since the summer after the increase in police presence.
HPD Robbery Detectives were also assigned to investigate the Organized Retail Theft Rings operating in and around the City of Hayward. In July, HPD Robbery Detectives identified an Organized Retail Theft Ring that led to a well-established fencing operation being run in Oakland. Three women, all sisters, were identified as the suspects. The sisters were using two homes in Oakland as their base of operations. Both locations were utilized to store, advertise and sell the stolen items. As you can see, the locations even had an outdoor store built in the backyard, complete with shelving and clothing racks, etc. Surveillance revealed entire families purchasing stolen merchandise. The stolen property was sold with a huge discount. Property was also sold out of the homes and on Facebook Marketplace.
The sisters were recruiting groups of thieves and requesting specific merchandise to be stolen. The suspects would steal merchandise in Hayward and throughout the Bay Area. After stealing merchandise, the suspects would arrive at one of the residences and exchange the items for cash. A typical theft event could range from 5 to 10 thousand dollars’ worth of stolen merchandise. The thieves would then receive money from the suspects.
The Oakland Police Department and San Jose Police Department ass
District Command Officer Roberto Gonzalez
When we told you the story of District Command Officer Roberto Gonzalez a few months back a lot of you responded.
Well, now he’s back at it…taking the initiative to help clean up graffiti to make our community even more beautiful!
Check out the video! Once again, he teamed up with City Staff to remove the blight that none of us want to see.
It’s a job we can all take part in…if not by cleaning it up then by reporting vandals who care more about making their mark than inflicting blight in our neighborhoods.
You can report graffiti through Access Hayward
https://www.hayward-ca.gov/services/city-services/report-graffiti
K9 Training Video
Last week, our K-9 Handlers and their partners were doing what’s called an “article search”. It is kind of like fetch, but in the real world they’re not looking for a ball. During this training, K9 Jetty was able to sniff out a hidden gun. Good boy!