Suspect ID: Union City Police Shooting

UNION CITY, CA — A potential hostage situation in Union City transformed into an officer-involved-shooting on Wednesday. No injuries were reported. One man, Rafe Stowers of Hayward, has been arrested on suspicion of multiple crimes and outstanding warrants.

Someone reported to police that a woman was being held against her will at the Extended Stay America Hotel on Dyer Street. Police were told that the victim was unable to call 911 herself and was afraid she would be hurt by the suspect.

After officers arrived just before 11 a.m., they got the names of both the suspect and the victim. A background check found that Stowers has a criminal history and two active felony warrants for his arrest.

He was spotted sitting alone in a parked car at the hotel. Officers gave him multiple commands to stop, which were ignored. According to a police statement, "The suspect then intentionally rammed a fully marked police SUV. During this portion of the incident a Union City Police Officer fired a single shot. There were no reported injuries by the officers or the suspect. The suspect was not struck by gunfire."

The man was taken into custody, and the victim in this case is now safe.

The 33-year-old accused man was arrested for the following:

• 245(C) P.C. – (Felony) Assault with a deadly weapon on a Peace Officer.
• 148(a)(1) P.C. – (Misdemeanor) Resisting, Delaying, or Obstructing a Peace Officer.
• Active Felony Warrants

The involved officer has been placed on routine paid administrative leave.

If you have any information about this case, contact Detective Angela Fonseca by phone at: 510-675-5283 or email at: angelaf@unioncity.org.

Anonymous tips are also accepted by phone at: 510-675-5207 or email at: tips@unioncity.org.