Update -- Wednesday, Oct. 5:
Alameda Police Department released an update on the alleged attempted kidnapping incident. The update reads, "As Alameda Police Detectives continue their investigation into yesterday’s incident, it has been determined that the initial kidnapping did not occur within the City of Alameda. After entering our jurisdiction, the victim was able to contact emergency personnel and request help. Officers were able to stop the car within 23 seconds of being dispatched. The Alameda Police Department is leading the investigation and working closely with other law enforcement agencies."

APD reiterated that the incident was isolated and there is no risk to public safety.

Man Arrested for Alleged Kidnapping Attempt
Around 12:15 PM on Oct. 3, Alameda Police Department (APD) dispatchers received a 9-1-1 call for the report of an in-progress armed carjacking and kidnapping that occurred in the 2300 block of Otis Drive. During the call, the victim was able to provide dispatchers with their location and their vehicle description. Within moments, the first responding officer located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Out of an abundance of caution, traffic in the area of Park Street and Otis Drive was temporarily restricted.

One of the occupants was identified as the 9-1-1 caller, while the other occupant, a 37-year-old San Jose resident, was arrested for multiple offenses including kidnapping and robbery. The suspect’s name has not been released. Calls to APD for the suspect’s identification were not returned by press time.

APD believes this was an isolated incident and not a random act. There is an ongoing investigation into the incident so no further information will be released at this time.

Catalytic Converter Thief Arrested After Proactive Patrols
On Friday, Sept. 30, an APD officer on patrol near Clement Avenue and Elm Street saw a vehicle without license plates and its trunk open stopped alongside a row of parked cars on the 1800 block of Elm. As the officer approached, he observed a partially sawed-off catalytic converter, according to an APD report.

Upon further inspection, a man, emerged from underneath a car and fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, the man was located and arrested on the 1800 block of Walnut Street. According to the APD daily activity log, the suspect was identified as Robert Newsom, 49, of Oakland. Newsom was charged with grand theft and obstruction. He was not listed in the Alameda County Inmate Locator database as of Tuesday, Oct. 4, which signals he was bailed out.

As APD continues to take proactive measures to help address catalytic converter thefts, the department reminds residents of ways to try to prevent catalytic converters from being stolen. While there is no foolproof system, steps can be taken to help prevent this type of crime.

The more rhodium, palladium, and platinum your catalytic converter contains, the more valuable it is. Look into installing anti-theft devices, including alarms designed to be activated when a car is tilted or raised. Motion-sensing dash cameras can notify vehicle owners of a theft and may help capture the suspect or vehicle descriptions.

If you see a crime in progress, call 9-1-1. If you are the victim of a theft but there is no crime in progress, call the APD non-emergency line at 510-337-8340.