On August 26, the Alameda Police Department reported an attempted vehicle theft on the 1100 block of College Avenue in Alameda, California. Around 5:45 pm, officers were alerted to a suspicious activity where a firearm was involved. Witnesses filming the incident reportedly thwarted the theft, which escalated when the suspect brandished a firearm at a bystander who had filmed him. The vehicle's owner's usage of a steering wheel lock additionally worked to prevent the crime.

Misrecognition of the man in the photos circulating online as a known Alameda resident resulted from a supervisor's review of the incident. The revelation spearheaded further investigations that culminated in an arrest warrant. The suspect was subsequently apprehended by the Oakland Police Department for another vehicle-related crime within its jurisdiction. The Alameda Police Department finalized the arrest as gathered from their Facebook post.

The Alameda Police Department emphasized the necessity of precautions to sidestep similar occurrences— installing anti-theft devices, applying car alarms, and securing vehicles within sight of security cameras. Motion sensor dash cameras were also recommended; they can raise alerts of on-progress thefts or record getaway cars' license plates.

The police underscore the need for swift action in alerting law enforcement – activating alarms from a safe distance to signal activities of a suspicious nature and immediately calling 9-1-1, providing information as needed. In their view, direct action, which places individuals at risk due to a misdirected sense of curiosity or helpful intent, is discouraged. Safety remains the overriding concern in these situations.