Fremont man arrested in theft of atuo rims

Oakland Tribune, Jan 18, 2008 by Ben Aguirre Jr

FREMONT -- A pair of 20-inch chrome auto rims that cost as much as some people's monthly rent are at the center of two theft investigations in different cities that so far have led to the arrest of a parolee.

Fremont resident Eric Johnson, 39, was arrested early Thursday on suspicion of trespassing and grand theft, but could face additional charges in connection with the stolen rims, Fremont police Sgt. Jeff Swadener said.

Police were summoned to the area of Nicolet Avenue and McCarthy Common about 2:40 a.m. after someone reported seeing at least one person stealing the wheels off a parked car, the sergeant said.

When officers arrived, they saw a man wearing all black clothing, gloves and a beanie cap walking away from the area. When the officer tried to make eye contact with the man, he ducked into a nearby apartment complex and hunkered down on a first-floor patio. He later was arrested after a neighbor called to report that a stranger was hiding nearby.

During questioning, Johnson told police that the rims, which retail for $1,200, actually were stolen from Union City on Jan. 14, Swadener said.

He told police that he acted as a lookout in that theft, and had come to Fremont to steal the rims back from someone who owed an acquaintance some money, the sergeant said.

Police in both cities still are investigating the thefts.

Johnson, who is on parole for burglary, could be arraigned as early as today.

Staff writer Ben Aguirre Jr. covers police and the courts for The Argus. He can be reached at 510-353-7011 or baguirre@bayareanewsgroup.com.