In a significant crackdown on crime, the San Jose Police Department announced the arrest of two men and four juveniles allegedly connected to a series of armed carjackings, burglaries, and sideshow activities across the Bay Area. The arrests were made following an extensive investigation that began after a carjacking incident on November 19, 2024.
The police investigation kicked off early that morning when a San Jose resident awoke to find three suspects attempting to break into his vehicle. In a terrifying confrontation, one of the suspects pointed a gun at the victim, who was forced to watch as the trio fled in his car. This alarming incident marked the beginning of what authorities would later describe as a crime spree lasting several months, involving multiple armed carjackings, armed robberies, vehicle thefts, and burglaries.
According to the San Jose Police Department, the suspects were involved in a range of criminal activities that extended beyond the initial carjacking. The police reported that the group was also linked to sideshow events, where vehicles are often driven recklessly in public areas, drawing crowds and creating dangerous situations.
Over the following months, the police worked diligently to connect the dots between various crimes and the suspects involved. Their investigation revealed a pattern that led to the identification of six individuals: two 19-year-olds—Darren Nguyen from Oakland and Alexander Carrillo from Tracy—and four juveniles, including three 17-year-olds from Hayward, Oakland, and San Jose, as well as a 16-year-old boy from Oakland.
The first of the arrests occurred on December 5, 2024, when Darren Nguyen was apprehended in Morgan Hill. This was followed by the arrest of Alexander Carrillo on February 4, 2025, in San Jose. As the investigation progressed, one juvenile suspect was taken into custody on February 25, 2025, in Hayward, while two others were arrested on March 18, 2025, in Hayward and Oakland. The fourth juvenile was already in custody at Alameda County Juvenile Hall for an unrelated crime when he was linked to the group’s activities.
Throughout the investigation, at least one firearm was seized during search warrants executed by the police. Additionally, several stolen vehicles linked to the crime spree were recovered in various locations, including San Francisco, Oakland, and Hayward. This recovery of stolen property was a crucial aspect of the police effort to dismantle the group’s operations.
In a statement, the San Jose Police Department emphasized the collaborative effort that went into the investigation, noting the involvement of various law enforcement agencies, including police departments from Morgan Hill, Berkeley, and Hayward, as well as the Santa Clara County probation department and the regional auto theft task force. This multi-agency approach was vital in addressing the rising crime rates in the area.
As the investigation concluded, the police encouraged anyone with additional information regarding the suspects or their activities to come forward. Detective Perez of the SJPD robbery unit can be contacted at 408-277-4166 or via email at [email protected]. Furthermore, tips can also be submitted anonymously through Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-7867 or online at siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org.
This recent wave of arrests underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in the Bay Area as they strive to combat youth-related crime and ensure public safety. The San Jose Police Department’s proactive measures reflect a commitment to addressing these issues head-on, as they work to restore a sense of security within the community.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains watchful, hoping that these arrests serve as a deterrent to similar criminal activities in the future. The San Jose Police Department continues to urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help maintain safety in the area.
