Global Edition
Global Edition
UK Edition
EU Edition
US Edition

Understand the story, not the spin.

Markets

Suspect Arrested in Theft of Oakland Mayor's SUV

Published 20 February 2026

Oakland authorities arrested a suspect Thursday in connection with the theft of Mayor Barbara Lee's city-issued Ford Expedition SUV from a secured City Hall parking lot over the President's Day holiday weekend. The black vehicle, valued at around $75,000 and used for official duties, was recovered the following Tuesday in Vallejo, approximately 25 miles north of Oakland.

Police reported that the theft occurred after the suspect broke into the mayor's office inside City Hall and took the keys, likely on Monday when the building was largely unoccupied due to the holiday. Investigators believe the individual accessed the secure underground garage using the stolen key fob and drove the SUV away. Surveillance footage captured the suspect removing the keys and exiting the premises, according to officials. The vehicle, equipped with California-exempt license plates and a tracking device, was located hours after being reported missing. Authorities recovered additional items during the arrest that linked the suspect to the crime, and the individual was transported back to Oakland for questioning.

No items of significant value were reported stolen from inside the SUV, though investigators...

Now playing
0:00 / 0:00