Pleasanton Murder Suspect Dies on I-580

A woman is dead after her estranged boyfriend shot her and then took his own life on I-580 last Thursday, leaving their child orphaned, according to Pleasanton Police.

According to a police report, the names, ages, and other details are being withheld at the family's request and confidentiality laws. 

It all started around 11:10 a.m. on March 7, when the woman’s neighbor called the police about gunshots at a residence on Saginaw Circle near West Las Positas Boulevard. Officers found the woman alone inside the home—unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. Police say her boyfriend forced entry through a sliding door in the back of her house, and, during an argument, he shot her several times before fleeing in a black sedan car. 

An unmarked Pleasanton Police car spotted the man’s vehicle driving away from the scene and followed him onto westbound Interstate 580. The California Highway Patrol, San Leandro Police Department, and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office also responded to assist. Officers followed the vehicle until it collided with the center median and came to a stop on I-580 westbound near Miramonte Avenue at about 11:30 a.m.

Officers attempted to communicate with the man, but he did not respond. They then used tear gas, but there continued to be no response from the driver. At about 12:25 p.m., officers approached the vehicle and discovered the driver had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Traffic on I-580 through Castro Valley and San Leandro came to a standstill for several hours while the coroner and police removed the suspect and his vehicle. Westbound lanes of the freeway remained closed at 164th Avenue, and eastbound lanes were closed at 150th Avenue for several hours. Traffic returned to normal after 6 p.m. 

The victim and the suspect have a child in common, and the child is now with relatives, Pleasanton Police said. In a statement, they added that the family has asked for privacy as they mourn the loss of their loved one.  

In support of the family, Pleasanton Police Chief David Swing said the department would not be releasing the names of the involved parties in accordance with confidentiality laws of domestic violence. 

“This is a tragic incident,” said Chief Swing, “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.”