Stockton Man Charged with Murder of San Leandro Gas Station Employee After Violent Confrontation

A gas station employee was fatally injured in San Leandro, and now a suspect is facing murder charges. The San Leandro Police Department announced the arrest of 40-year-old Dennis Lee of Stockton in connection with the homicide of Wadih Badran, a 78-year-old employee of Speedway Gas Station, located at 14880 E. 14th Street. The violent incident, which occurred on February 22, resulted in Badran suffering head injuries that led to his death shortly after.

A confrontation between Lee and the victim reportedly began after Lee was discovered loitering behind the business. According to witness statements, Lee aggressively pushed Badran into a pole, inflicting fatal head and neck trauma. Lee fled the scene on foot, launching a police investigation to track him down. The San Leandro Police leveraged surveillance footage, including that obtained by Flock Public Safety cameras, and forensic evidence to identify Lee as the suspect.

With assistance from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, Lee was apprehended near his home in Stockton on Friday, March 8. Subsequent search warrants executed at his and his parents' Castro Valley residence recovered the clothing worn during the homicide, and two illegally possessed firearms. The Alameda County District Attorney's office has since charged Lee with murder and weapons violations, according to a statement obtained by the San Leandro Police Department.

While Lee faces the legal repercussions of his actions, San Leandro Police continue to seek additional information on these crime. Authorities are urging the public to contribute any further details by contacting Detective C. Pricco at (510)577-3244, or providing anonymous tips through the tip line at (510)577-3278 or Text-to-Tip service at 888777 with the keyword: TipSLPolice.