San Francisco Police Department's homicide unit investigates missing Uber driver case after remains found

Byby Melanie Woodrow KGO logo
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
SF homicide unit investigates missing Uber driver case after remains found
The case of a missing Uber driver is taking on new light after human remains were discovered in an East Bay warehouse. Now, the San Francisco Police Department's homicide unit is investigating the disappearance and discovery of new evidence.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Investigators in the East Bay are working to identify human remains found in a warehouse over the weekend. There's a possibility they could be that of missing San Francisco Uber driver Piseth Chhay.

The owner of U.S. Trading Company says he contacted law enforcement on Saturday, and that something didn't smell right inside his Hayward warehouse.

San Francisco police say they, along with Alameda County Sheriff's Office canines, discovered bags of human remains inside.

RELATED: Wife of missing SF man holding out hope after grim discovery in the East Bay

"I hope and pray that body part wasn't my husband," said Rattana Kim. "If it is, Bob Tang had something to do with it."

Kim's husband, Piseth Chhay, has been missing since Mother's Day.

San Francisco police named family friend Bob Tang a person of interest. They wanted to talk to him, but he took off and left his car at San Francisco International Airport. Officials say investigators believe Tang is in Cambodia.

RELATED: Person of interest in SF Uber driver case suspected of fleeing country

U.S. Trading Company's owner says Tang worked at the warehouse, where the remains were found, for 20 years.

Neighbors on Burrows Street, where Tang lived, say police were out there late last week and were interested in another vehicle.

"I think it was last Thursday," said neighbor Matt Lowe, "And I just came out of the house and there was a police car parked behind the car as they were towing it away, it was a Range Rover."

Lowe continued, "It made me think that they must have found more going on since they kept coming back."

The neighborhood mailman says he noticed a similar vehicle back at the house Saturday.

"A light colored older model Range Rover with two occupants," said Rich Cairo.

RELATED: Police: Car belonging to person of interest in Uber driver case found at SFO

The Chhays and Tangs were good family friends who were part of a larger extended network of friends that liked to hike and dine together.

Now friends within that network are being asked to speak with investigators.

They shared a text message from an SFPD homicide detective today asking them to call him.

"Sounds more and more suspicious for sure," said Lowe.

Both neighbors and friends say they can't imagine why Tang would want to hurt Chhay.

"If he's the one definitely, hope they can get him back," said Lowe.

Anyone with information is asked to contact San Francisco police. You can reach them at (415) 553-0123.