Gunman Robs East Bay Man After Following Him From San Francisco

EAST BAY, CA — A man who was taking pictures with an expensive camera in San Francisco was followed all the way home to Fremont, where he was robbed at gunpoint, according to Fremont Police. Detectives followed leads in the case and arrested a Richmond felon about two weeks later.

The robbery happened on Sept. 23. According to a police report, "The suspects broke the victim’s car window and pointed a handgun at the driver. The suspects then stole high-end camera equipment from the victim before fleeing in a vehicle. Residents nearby exited their home after hearing the commotion. The victim and witnesses followed the suspect a short distance however the driver exited the suspect vehicle and fired his handgun at the victim and residents who had come outside."

No one was injured in the shooting.

The victim told police that he thought he had been followed from San Francisco. Detectives checked surveillance video and confirmed the victim's story. The suspect was identified as Daron McClinton, 35, of Richmond.

Detectives began tailing McClinton and got an arrest warrant for attempted homicide, robbery, and conspiracy. He was arrested in Richmond on Oct. 6 and booked into Santa Rita Jail on a "no bail" option.

Police report, "McClinton is currently on Federal probation for a 2015 robbery where he robbed a photographer of high-end camera equipment in San Francisco. He has prior arrests for robbery with a firearm, robbery, possession of a loaded firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer/firefighter, assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy, possession of a stolen vehicle, and possession of stolen property."

The Alameda County District Attorney's Office charged McClinton with 2 counts of attempt homicide, 3 counts of assault with a deadly weapon on a person, robbery, and various firearms charges and enhancements.

At last report, detectives have not arrested a second suspect in the case.

If you think that you are being followed by criminals, here are some safety tips:

• Call 911. When in doubt, let the police decide.
• Drive to a police station and pull up to the door. Inform police on a 911 call what you are doing in advance. Your phone or vehicle navigation system should guide you to the nearest police station.

The Fremont robbery happened in the 35000 block of Adobe Drive.