Suspects Escape After Carjacking; Accused Rapist Arrested; Woman Fights Off Kidnapper: East Bay Police Log

The following is a collection of weekly police, court and fire stories from around the East Bay this week.

New Calif. Law Protects Good Samaritans Who Rescue Pets Left in Hot Cars

• Gov. Jerry Brown signed the “Right to Rescue Act” on Saturday to help protect civilians forced to rescue pets in distress.

Woman, 'Punching and Kicking,' Fights Off Would-Be Kidnapper: Livermore Police

• The victim told police the suspect had “strong body odor and may have been a transient.”

Nap in Stolen Car Leads to Arrest of 3 Transients: Livermore Police

• Police said all three are believed to be involved in numerous car burglaries all over the Tri-Valley.

Former Livermore Charter Prep School Teacher Arrested on Suspicion of Possessing, Dealing Child Porn in Washington

• Police officials said Jeffrey Gross, 31, will be charged with multiple counts of possession and distribution of child pornography.

Pleasanton High School Student Arrested After Making Threats Via Social Media: Police

• Police were able to identify a suspect, who was found off campus.

Watch Dramatic Police K9 Demonstration from San Ramon's Emergency Preparedness Fair

• The canine officer and his partner showed off their teamwork skills thanks to the help of a good-natured “suspect” in protective gear.

Pleasanton Woman's Shooting Death Inspiration for Bill Signed by Governor Requiring Officers to Lock Away Guns in Cars

• Kate Steinle, 32, was fatally shot in July 2015 when a homeless man allegedly shot a gun near Pier 14.

Body of Missing Pleasanton Man Found

• Blake Cochran was reported missing on Sept. 25.

Suspect Who Pleaded No Contest to 2015 Dublin Home Invasion, Pleads Guilty in Vallejo Kidnapping

• Dublin Police investigators tracked Matthew Muller, 38, to a South Lake Tahoe cabin where he was arrested on June 15.

Felony Warrant, Sex Registrant Sweep Yields 25 Arrests in Contra Costa County

• The sweep yielded arrests for fugitive warrants and weapons offenses, according to police officials.

Two Suspects Escape After Carjacking, Chase Near Danville

• Contra Costa sheriff's officials said the suspects entered the victim's garage as he arrived home.

Shots Fired at Pinole Couple in Front of Their Own Home

• The robbery attempt is eerily similar to one in Orinda the previous night.

Orinda Investigators Searching Video For Suspects Who Shot School Board VP

• Carol Brown was shot twice, her husband pistol whipped in robbery on their own driveway while unloading groceries.

Assault Weapons, Handguns Seized; Teen Arrested

• "Some of the bullets (he) possessed could go through multiple people, concrete or any cover deputies would take."

Fremont Woman Shot While Walking Near Her Home

• It happened Sunday night on Stanley Avenue near Mahoney Street. The female suspect got away.

Lafayette Police Need Your Help Catching Burglars

• Police are asking residents to check home surveillance videos for the suspects or their vehicle.

East Bay Firefighters Saving Homes in Santa Cruz Mountains Fire

• Alameda County, Piedmont and Fremont firefighters deployed Monday night, just hours after the flames broke out.

Alert Neighbor Tips Fremont Police About Possible Burglary

• Two people were arrested at the scene.

Three Cars Destroyed in Alameda Fire

• The car fires also threatened a business.

Police Capture Armed Robbery Suspects in Walnut Creek: Mugshots

• They were cornered in the vicinity of Walnut Creek Center. No shots were fired.

Man in His 70s Arrested For Allegedly Running Marijuana Grow House

• San Leandro Police were alerted by 911 calls about gunshots.

Accused Pinole Rapist Arrested in Santa Maria

• He has been transported to jail here in Contra Costa County.

Newark Police Arrest 4 on Guns, Drug Charges

• A patrol officer noticed suspicious activity and investigated what the men were up to.

Another Shooting in Berkeley Sends 2 to Hospital

• A man and a woman were shot in Berkeley Sunday night.

Berkeley Woman Killed Crossing the Street in Richmond

• Investigators say she wasn't in a crosswalk and the driver couldn't see her until it was too late. The coroner has released her name.

Berkeley Mayoral Candidate Jailed For Alleged Vandalism

• Zachary Running Wolf is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Suspected Serial Arsonist Operating Nearby

• Fire investigators are asking people to remain vigilant.

Man Slashed While Waiting at Berkeley Bus Stop

• The victim suffered wounds to his face and arm. He had been sitting with his girlfriend when the unprovoked attack happened.

--Photo via Alameda County Fire Department from East Bay Firefighters Saving Homes in Santa Cruz Mountains Fire