by A violent incident rocked the streets of downtown Palo Alto on Thursday morning, leaving residents in shock and disbelief. The chaos unfolded around 10:54 a.m. in the 500 block of Emerson Street when reports flooded in about a man causing havoc by shattering windows, throwing rocks, and terrorizing pedestrians.
The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Sheik Riaz Ali from East Palo Alto, went on a destructive rampage, targeting three local businesses – Bare Bowls, Kitchen Nail Bar, and HE&C Tea + Pot. Witnesses described a scene of chaos as the man hurled rocks at storefronts and innocent passersby.
Palo Alto police sprang into action, responding swiftly to apprehend the suspect. After a brief foot chase, officers managed to catch up with Ali at the Palo Alto Transit Center, where he was taken into custody. During the arrest, one officer sustained minor injuries, but thankfully, no one else was hurt in the mayhem.
A subsequent search of the suspect’s belongings uncovered suspected methamphetamine, adding another layer of complexity to the case. The investigation revealed that Ali caused over $500 in damages to each of the businesses he targeted, leading to multiple charges being laid against him.
In the aftermath of the incident, Palo Alto Police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Witnesses or those with relevant details can contact the 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329-2413. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via email to paloalto@tipnow.org or through text message at (650) 383-8984.
The community is left reeling from the shocking events that transpired on a quiet Thursday morning, but the swift response of law enforcement serves as a reminder of the dedication and bravery of those who protect and serve our neighborhoods.
