PLEASANTON – New details emerged Friday in an East Bay murder-suicide a day earlier that culminated in an hours-long shutdown of Interstate 580 in San Leandro.
The victim was alone at her residence on Saginaw Circle in Pleasanton around 11:10 a.m. Thursday when her estranged boyfriend forced open a rear sliding door, the Pleasanton Police Department said in an updated news release. The suspect then shot the victim several times during a confrontation, according to police.
Officers arrived moments later to find the victim dead and the suspect gone, police said.
A neighbor called police after hearing the gunshots and provided a description of the suspect’s vehicle, according to police. An unmarked unit then spotted the vehicle driving toward I-580 and started trailing it.
The vehicle later crashed into the center median of the highway near Miramonte Avenue in San Leandro.
Officers tried to talk with the suspect, but he did not respond, police said. He also did not respond when officers fired less lethal munitions and gas into his vehicle. Officers then approached the vehicle and found the suspect dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The highway was shut down for several hours while authorities tried to resolve the situation.
The victim and the suspect have a child in common, according to police. The child is now with relatives. Police did not release the names of the suspect or the victim.
In a statement Friday, Pleasanton police Chief David Swing called the incident “tragic” and affirmed the city’s commitment to supporting victims of domestic violence.
“We encourage those in an abusive relationship and those affected by domestic violence to contact their local police department or local advocacy group for assistance,” he said.
Residents who are experiencing domestic violence can contact the police department at 925-931-5100 or the Tri-Valley Haven 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 800-884-8119.
If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, round-the-clock support, information and resources for help. Call or text the lifeline at 988, or see the 988lifeline.org website, where chat is available