Man Arrested for Attempted Robbery After Allegedly Brandishing Handgun at Safeway

Information provided by San Leandro Police Nixle Alerts—

San Leandro Police officers responded to the Safeway in the 1400 block of Washington Avenue regarding a subject who brandished a handgun, threatening one of the store employees on Wednesday.

With the help of employees inside the store, the officers were able to obtain a description of the suspect, who fled the store on a bike.

Minutes after the suspect description was broadcast, an officer spotted a subject within blocks of the store. This subject’s physical appearance and clothing matched what was provided by witnesses. The subject, identified as Luke Vickery, was detained by officers. Vickery was in possession of a replica handgun when he was detained and subsequently arrested.

The victim positively identified Vickery as the subject with the gun. According to the victim, Vickery was shoplifting inside Safeway, taking items from a display.

When the victim confronted Vickery, Vickery lifted his shirt and exposed what appeared to be a handgun tucked in his waistband. The victim feared for his safety, so he backed away from Vickery. Vickery then fled the store on his bike.

Lieutenant DeCosta said, “The employees did the right thing by backing away from this subject and calling the police. Their immediate 9-1-1 call the San Leandro Police Department made this arrest possible. We are grateful that no one was injured during this incident.”

Please contact the San Leandro Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division with any information regarding this case at 510-577-3230 or contact the Anonymous Tip Line at 510-577-3278.