Bay Area/ North SF Bay Area/ Crime & Emergencies
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Published on March 26, 2024
Napa Lululemon Heist Triggers Freeway Chase Ending with Crash in Oakland, Four Suspects DetainedSource: Napa Police Department

Thieves struck a Lululemon store in Napa, sparking a freeway chase that ended with a crash in Oakland, authorities said. According to a report by the Napa Police Department, the theft occurred yesterday around 4 p.m. on First Street, where officers found out more than $23,000 worth of merchandise had been stolen. The suspects, in a Lexus GS 350, led police on a wild chase when they failed to stop for officers.

The pursuit quickly escalated, with the Napa police passing the baton to the California Highway Patrol near the Carquinez Bridge, per the KTVU report. As the chase entered the East Bay, law enforcement, realized the gravity of the situation. CHP launched an airplane to track the fleeing vehicle while ground units reduced their presence, a strategy aimed at reducing potential risks to public safety.

Despite the aerial surveillance and a lessened ground pursuit, the suspects continued to drive recklessly. Eventually, the driver lost control and the Lexus crashed at Lakeshore Avenue and Beacon Street in Oakland. Oakland Police Department, then took over, handling the aftermath of the crash. Four individuals were detained at the scene, including three juveniles and one adult, the Napa Police revealed.

After the crash, CHP confirmed that the Oakland Police Department would be leading the crash investigation. No information regarding injuries sustained by the vehicle occupants has been released. However, the apprehended suspects are now facing the consequences of their actions, including charges for the theft and the pursuit, officials said.