In East Oakland, what started as a food run ended with a man standing barefoot in a Grocery Outlet parking lot, his car gone and his bank account lighter. The man told police that two women got into his 2018 Mazda near International Boulevard and 14th Avenue, pulled a knife, and forced him to drive to an ATM and a store before taking his vehicle. One suspect is now in custody, and authorities say the car has been recovered.
How Police Say The Ordeal Unfolded
According to Oakland police, the two women allegedly ordered the man to drive them to a Grocery Outlet on Broadway and then to an ATM. There, officers say, he was forced to send $1,000 via Zelle and attempt to withdraw more cash. The suspects then allegedly left him barefoot in the parking lot and drove off in his Mazda.
Investigators say they later found the vehicle at the Palms Hotel in Oakland and lifted fingerprints from the car that helped identify a suspect. Those details appear in court filings and police reports, as reported by the East Bay Times.
The man told investigators he was out early because he wanted something to eat. According to court records, he initially hesitated to press charges, saying he feared retaliation. Detectives are still reviewing surveillance video and tracking additional leads while neighbors absorb yet another robbery-style incident along busy East Oakland corridors. The second woman has not been publicly identified or charged.
Arrest And Court Status
Twenty-four-year-old Juliana Kriston of San Leandro was arrested on June 17 and booked on kidnapping, carjacking and robbery charges, according to court records. She has pleaded not guilty and was released after last Friday's court appearance under a stay-at-home order that limits her travel to court dates, attorney meetings and medical appointments. Kriston is next scheduled to appear in court on July 17, as reported by the East Bay Times.
Car Found At Hotel, Second Suspect Still Missing
Police say officers recovered the man’s 2018 Mazda at the Palms Hotel and are continuing to analyze forensic evidence and video footage tied to the case. In court filings, Kriston reportedly described the encounter as a money dispute and referred to a second woman only as "Sara." Prosecutors, pointing to the alleged use of a weapon and the taking of the car, have filed felony charges. Oakland police say they are still looking for the second woman and are asking anyone with information to contact them.
What California Law Says About The Charges
Kidnapping, carjacking and robbery are all felonies under California law and can result in multi-year prison sentences. Carjacking is defined in Penal Code §215 and kidnapping in Penal Code §207. Carjacking and robbery are categorized as violent felonies and can count as strike offenses in some situations, with penalties influenced by factors such as the use of a weapon or injury to a victim.
For the statutory language and penalty ranges, see Penal Code §215 (carjacking) on Justia and Penal Code §207 (kidnapping) on Shouse Law.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s office has not released a detailed public charging memorandum beyond the counts listed at booking, and Oakland police say the case remains active. Anyone with tips is urged to call the Oakland Police Department tip line or use the department’s public reporting channels.
