Oakland car burglary suspect with $1 million warrant on loose after police chase

Lilian Kim Image
ByLilian Kim KGO logo
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Oakland burglary suspect with $1 million warrant still on loose
Bay Area police are searching for a car burglary suspect that lead police on a wild chase that prompted a sheriffs vehicle to crash on Interstate 80 Friday.

FREMONT, Calif. (KGO) -- Authorities are asking for the public's help in finding a car burglary suspect who has $1 million warrant out for his arrest.

RELATED: Sheriffs vehicle crashes on I-80 during chase

He took Bay Area deputies on a wild ride Friday night, causing a sheriff's deputy to crash a patrol car. The wanted felon is still on the run.

Police say they spotted the suspect at a strip mall but he got away from them two days before eluding deputies on Interstate 80.

Authorities say Eddie Nute failed to pull over after deputies in Richmond recognized him as a car burglary suspect. The pursuit continued on Westbound I-80 and ended at the MacArthur Maze ina collision. Nute left his car behind and ran away.

Fremont police say two days prior, Nute also managed to escape after officers tried to arrest him for an auto burglary at a strip mall on Auto Mall Parkway.

Investigators say he is part of a violent Oakland street gang that's been breaking into cars all over the Bay Area.

His $1 million arrest warrant is related to an investigation involving 50 counts of auto burglary and conspiracy as well as a gang enhancement.

Fremont residents we talked to say the area has certainly had its share of car break-ins. "There's cars all over the place," said Jonathan Nunes. "Everyone just comes over here so if someone sees what they want, they're going to get it."

"You can't even go to Chipotle without having to hide your phone, or like your keys or something," said Fremont resident Itzl Delacruz. "Or worrying if someone is going to break into your window."

Law enforcement agencies are working together to find Nute, and while they're following up on leads they're also seeking tips from the public.

They say, if you spot him, do not approach him. Instead, call your local authorities.