by A man was arrested in Palo Alto, CA, after going on a downtown vandalism spree that involved shattering front windows of three businesses. The incident took place on Thursday morning, with reports coming in at 10:54 a.m. of a man screaming and kicking storefronts in the 500 block of Emerson Street.
The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Sheik Riaz Ali of East Palo Alto, was seen smashing the front windows of Bare Bowls and Kitchen Nail Bar with rocks. Witnesses also reported that he was throwing rocks at people on the street.
Police quickly responded to the scene and located Ali on Lytton Avenue at High Street. A brief chase ensued, with Ali attempting to flee by boarding a bus. However, officers were able to apprehend him at the Palo Alto Transit Center. During the struggle, officers found what they believed to be methamphetamine in his pocket.
One officer sustained minor injuries during the altercation, but Ali was unharmed. The investigation revealed that Ali had also broken the front windows of HE&C Tea + Pot. The total damage was estimated to be over $500.
Ali was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on charges of felony vandalism, resisting an officer using force, resisting/delaying an officer, and possession of methamphetamine. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Palo Alto police.
Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and quick police response in maintaining public safety. The businesses affected by the vandalism are expected to make repairs and continue serving the Palo Alto community.
