Midpeninsula police agencies are seeking two men, possibly Pacific Islanders, who were involved in a robbery and carjacking in Palo Alto about 2:30 a.m. Saturday.
The men fled on foot after an East Palo Alto officer spotted the stolen vehicle, and could not be captured despite a foot chase and neighborhood search, police reported Tuesday evening.
Palo Alto police Agent Max Nielepko said the robbery/carjacking occurred in the 3300 block of Park Boulevard. He said three men, two in their 20s and one in his 40s, were standing around a 2007 white Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck talking while it warmed up.
The men were accosted by two men who had passed them shortly before, one of whom produced a gun and demanded their wallets and cell phones.
The robbers went a short distance away, then returned as one victim was getting into the truck and demanded the vehicle.
The gunman, who wore a white hockey mask and a pea jacket, is described as in his early 20s, about 6 feet 4 or 5 inches tall and about 250 pounds. His race or ethic background could not be determined.
The second robber, wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt, was described as a Pacific Islander also in his early 20, also 6 feet 4 or 5 inches tall and heavier, about 260 to 280 pounds.
The robbery/carjacking was broadcast to surrounding police agencies, and a short time later East Palo Alto police spotted the vehicle and attempted to stop it. The two suspects bailed from the vehicle in the 400 block of Donohoe Street and fled on foot, Nielepko said.
Several other police agencies responded to the area and set up a perimeter. Police dogs were used in an attempt to locate the men, who could not be locaated.
The truck was towed for evidence processing.
Nielepko said the three victims handled the situation well: “It is obvious that robberies can occur anywhere. If you find yourself the unfortunate victim of a robbery, please cooperate with the suspect’s demands,” Nielepko advised.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Palo Alto Police Department at (650) 329-2413. Anonymous tips may be sent to paloalto@tipnow.org.
— Palo Alto Weekly staff
— Palo Alto Weekly staff
— Palo Alto Weekly staff
someone tell these geniuses that a 2007 chevy does not need to be warmed up!!
helmelive: the engine may not need to be warmed up, but the heater probably is not pumping out much hot air for the first few minutes. It’s cold at 2:30am these mornings…
I hate it when neighbors stand around talking in the middle of the night, their car engines going. Maybe these loser car jackers did the neighborhood a bit of a favor…I bet the victims won’t be doing that again any time soon.
I know it’s sort of mean-spirited, but it’s tiresome. The other morning, there were gardeners hanging out before 7am & they started on the neighbors’ yards at 7. WTH? Sheesh, I was wishing someone had jacked their leafblowers!
But seriously, victims are victims, but some victims are a lot dumber than others. I’m sure it wasn’t the first time they were hanging out in the middle of the night. What 3 yr old car needs to be warmed up? It’s noise & air pollution that turned into a criminal incident.
I pity the people that comment about a truck when someone is held at gun point regardless of the time that this occurred. Really show your lack of character.
You might think a little differently if it happens to you, or someone you know. This can happen to anyone anywhere at anytime, Criminals could care less about who, where and when. And we wonder why the world has so much hate…..I think the smart ass comments explain why.