Search Continues For Wanted Man In Pleasanton, Santa Cruz

PLEASANTON, CA — Police in Pleasanton continue to be on the lookout for a man suspected of stealing a BMW in Santa Cruz that led to a high-speed chase on I-680.

The incident began Wednesday, just after 9 a.m., when Pleasanton police officers spotted the stolen white BMW X5 on westbound Stoneridge Drive at Denker Drive. When officers attempted to pull over the vehicle, the chase started.

The driver sped off, going the wrong way onto an I-680 offramp, and continuing onto the freeway. Officers had to stop the chase as the driver headed dangerously southbound on the northbound side of I-680, the Pleasanton Police Department reported.

Officers saw the BMW pull to the freeway shoulder, just south of the W. Las Positas over-crossing. The driver got out of the vehicle, hopped over the freeway guardrail and fled eastbound on foot toward South San Ramon Creek. Officers lost sight of him as he went down an embankment into the creek, according to the Pleasanton PD.

A police perimeter was set up around the area and Pleasanton PD requested assistance from the California Highway Patrol and Alameda County Sheriff's Office. The area was searched on foot, by CHP helicopter, via a drone unit from the sheriff’s office, and using K9 teams from both Pleasanton PD and the sheriff’s office. After a two-hour search, the suspect could not be found and the area was cleared, according to the Pleasanton PD.

Police identified the suspect as Jeremy Castleberry, 28, who is known to frequent the Santa Cruz area and was recently arrested there on suspicion of rape and attempted murder of his former girlfriend. He is described as caucasian with a shaved head. He was wearing a white t-shirt and carrying a large backpack during the chase.

Castleberry currently has several felony warrants for his arrest from Alameda County for identity theft, burglary, and forgery, according to Pleasanton police. He may still be in the area and anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Pleasanton Police Department at (925) 931-5100.

ORIGINAL POST, SEPT. 25, 2019:

PLEASANTON, CA — Police activity has been heavy Wednesday morning in the area of Valley Trails and W. Las Positas in Pleasanton as officers search for a suspect who allegedly stole a vehicle and is wanted on felony warrants.

Pleasanton police are on the ground and a California Highway Patrol helicopter is being used above for the search.

The suspect is described as a white male in his late 20s, with a shaved head and wearing a white t-shirt. He was last seen carrying a large backpack.

Pleasanton police warn the man may be "armed and dangerous." If you spot someone matching this description, do not approach the person — instead immediately call 911.