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Suspect Alexander William Anderson Photo provided
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Call it theft or call it burglary; Lafayette has recently seen an increase in the number of auto burglaries within its community. Since June 7, the city has recorded no less than 16 instances of items stolen from vehicles. A recent email from Lafayette Police Chief Eric Christensen likens auto burglars to the bears plaguing visitors in national parks. "If you feed them, they are likely to come back a second, third, or fourth time. By leaving items of value for burglars to steal, you increase the risk of others being victimized as well," he warns. Auto burglary is a largely preventable crime, the report says, but a recent episode shows that sometimes that is just the tip of the criminal iceberg.
Lafayette officers were dispatched last week to investigate the report of a suspicious vehicle at a Lafayette park. Responding officers located an older black convertible and spoke with its subjects. A records check showed one occupant had an outstanding warrant. That subject, a female, was placed under arrest, when the male suspect began fighting with police and then disappeared into nearby woods.
Additional officers from Lafayette, Orinda and Moraga were called in.
Officers discovered the vehicle in question was likely stolen. The male subject was identified but despite the use of a canine team and air support, authorities did not locate the man; he was believed to have fled the area.
The suspects were previously linked to a $50,000 property theft from a vacant home in May. The property has since been identified and returned to its rightful owner. Later that same day, a Lafayette resident reported their car stolen. Believing the suspect intended to return to where the vehicle was stolen, investigators set up surveillance. When the suspect did return, he used the car to ram a patrol vehicle and escape.
A resident spotted the suspect at their home. When officers arrived, the suspect fled on foot. Helicopter and canine units were used in a second unsuccessful search. The stolen vehicle was later recovered. Police ask residents who may have video of the suspect to contact the investigative team, and to call if they spot suspicious individuals or vehicles near a business or neighborhood.
Sunday afternoon, Lafayette police released more details, naming the suspect as 28-year-old Alexander William Anderson, who sometimes calls himself Efron Curiel. Anderson is wanted in connection with a series of property crimes and an assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer in Lafayette. A $175,000 warrant has been issued for his arrest. Anderson is described as a white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 160 pounds, with black hair and hazel eyes. His previous residences include Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Concord and Pittsburg; if spotted do not approach, but instead, call police.
To receive Lafayette police alerts, email Chief Christensen at echri@so.cccounty.us with your name, street address and an email address. Residents are also urged to subscribe to Nixle Alerting System (www.nixle.com), and note the following phone numbers: Emergency 911; Dispatch (non-emergency) (925) 284-5010; and the Police Department Office (925) 283-3680.
Emergency 911
Dispatch (Non-Emergency) (925) 284-5010
Police Department Office (925) 283-3680
Tip Line 94549Tip@gmail.com
Investigative unit:
Sergeant Shiells HShie@so.cccounty.us
Detective Dennison JDenn@so.cccounty.us
Detective Ones VOnes@so.cccounty.us
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA