Arrest Made After Police Administration Building Break-in
Published on January 28, 2021
Alameda Police Department detectives are investigating a break-in at the Alameda Police Administration Building. On Wednesday, January 27th, at approximately 8:45 p.m., a man walked to the building's front doors and attempted to get inside.
Due to Alameda County Health Orders, the building is currently closed to the public; therefore, APD dispatchers contacted the man through the intercom system. The man was highly agitated, made threats, and demanded to come inside. After being told the building was closed, the man left the front steps of the Police Administration Building. APD patrol officers went to the front steps to see if the individual needed help but could not find him.
At approximately 10:30 p.m., APD officers were called to the 2500 block of Blanding Avenue for the report of a man wearing police attire and attempting to commit a theft. Based on the description provided to our dispatchers, we determined the man was probably the same person seen at the front steps of the Police Administration Building. Officers searched the area and could not find the suspect.
A few hours later, at approximately 2:00 a.m., a man was heard yelling from inside the Police Administration Building. Two on-duty patrol sergeants investigated and discovered the same man had somehow made his way into the building. The man refused to comply with the sergeants' orders. The man was taken into custody following a brief struggle and taken to a local jail for booking.
The individual who broke into the Police Administration Building was wanted out of Colorado for an outstanding felony warrant. He was identified as Alexander Charman, a 41-year-old transient, and he will remain in police custody and until he is extradited back to Colorado.
Detectives are looking into how the man breached the building and why he specifically targeted the Alameda Police Department. We want to assure the public it appears this individual acted alone, and there is no threat to our community or city employees. Maintaining the Police Administration Building security and making sure our community is safe is our focus as this investigation moves forward. We are taking a critical look at our security protocols.
The Alameda Police Department conducted an inventory of all departmental firearms, and we are confident no firearms were stolen.
APD is asking anyone who had contact with the Mr. Charman between approximately 8:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. to contact our department. He is described as a white male, 6’7” tall, with long hair, beard, wearing a yellow reflective vest, hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and black boots.
Media inquiries should be directed to Matt McMullen at 510-337-8382 or mmcmullen@alamedaca.gov.
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