Pleasanton Search Warrant Linked To Deadly Peninsula Shooting

PLEASANTON, CA — Police served a search warrant in Pleasanton on Tuesday night in connection to the deadly shooting of a Peninsula teen, though no arrests were made, officials said Wednesday. The warrant was one of "several"that were served across the Bay Area. However, police say they are following up on "a number of promising leads" regarding the death of the 17-year-old Redwood City boy.

"Belmont Police and allied agency investigators continue to interview witnesses and follow leads as they are developed, and additional search warrants are anticipated," Belmont Police Capt. Patrick Halleran said in a statement. "Specific information regarding leads or items seized is not being released due to the dynamic and on-going nature of this investigation."

One of the search warrants was served at a residence in Pleasanton on Tuesday evening, prompting a large, visible police presence in town. In that incident, three people were detained in connection to the case — however, nobody was arrested, according to Halleran.

"The Belmont Police would like to thank the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, San Mateo Police Department, Pleasanton Police Department, as well as other agencies from around the Bay Area who are assisting with this investigation," Halleran said. "We would also like to thank all of the people who have come forward with information and tips and encourage anyone who has additional information to contact investigators."

Halleran did not disclose where any of the other search warrants were served.

The shooting happened sometime Monday evening, as the victim was found late Monday night in the parking lot of Central Elementary School after family members of the victim called police asking for a welfare check, according to police. When officers arrived, they found the teen lying in the parking lot at the front of the school, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

He has not been identified by police, but ABC7 News identified him as a senior at Carlmont High School. They said Mohammad Othman was a football player at the school, though he lived in Redwood City. The San Mateo County coroner's office confirmed his identity on Wednesday.Authorities believe Othman knew the person who shot him.

"I am beyond saddened, shocked and disturbed," Iyad Afalqa, who said Othman was his cousin, wrote on Facebook Tuesday afternoon. "I woke up this morning to learn that my 17 years old cousin was found shot dead in City of Belmont in the San Francisco Bay Area."

Carlmont High School Principal Ralph Crame wrote a message to the high school community on Tuesday.

"I know we are all feeling the pain of losing a beloved member of our Carlmont family," he wrote. "Although this is a difficult time for us, we know that the family is grieving and we must keep them in our thoughts and support them in any way that we can."

Counselors will be present at the school this week to support students and staff.

"There is no greater tragedy than that of a life cut short as our young people represent the hopes and dreams of entire communities," Sequoia Union High School Superintendent Mary Streshly said in a statement Wednesday, the first day of the spring semester for the district.

Police have not released a description of the suspect and no arrests have been announced. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Belmont police at (650) 595-7400 or police@belmont.gov.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

— Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone