FREMONT — Police are searching for a 36-year-old parolee from the Los Angeles area as the suspect in what they said was an attempt Monday to murder a motorcycle officer.
Alexander Diaz was identified as the man police believe was driving a stolen delivery van Monday that accelerated and crashed into Officer Patrick Brower, pushing both the officer and his motorcycle across two lanes of traffic before pinning them against a metal lightpole.
When the vehicles came to rest, Brower was stuck under both the front end of the van and his motorcycle, near Mission and Warm Springs boulevards.
An extensive manhunt in the area turned up nothing. But, acting on a tip, police later arrested someone they believe is an acquaintance of Diaz at the South Hayward BART station. That man remains part of the investigation, police said.
Brower underwent extensive surgery to his leg and foot. Police said his thigh bone was fractured, and his toes were crushed and he needed some reconstructive bars and pins installed. However, they said he is expected to be out of the hospital later this week.
Brower, 43, is a 10-year veteran of the department and is married with three sons.
A no-bail warrant has been issued for Diaz, who was on parole for grand theft but is now wanted for attempted murder. Diaz “should be considered
extremely dangerous,” police said, because of the desperation he displayed when he ran down Brower. He is described as Latino, 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds, last seen wearing a blue or black baseball hat, a reddish sweatshirt and bluejeans.
Fremont police said he still could be in the Bay Area, or may be headed to Los Angeles.
Anyone with information about Diaz’s whereabouts may contact Fremont police at 510-790-6800 or the Silent Witness Hotline at 510-494-4856.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident contact the the personal injury lawyers at the Alexander Law Group, LLP by email or call 888.777.1776. All calls free and confidential.
