Video: Vehicle Assault Suspect Opens Fire on Calif. Police During Stop

April 14, 2025

San Leandro police were investigating a vehicle assault when a 40-year-old suspect opened fire on officers during a traffic stop in Ashland before he was finally detained.

By Harry Harris

Source Bay Area News Group

ASHLAND, CA — No injuries were reported after San Leandro police officers exchanged gunfire with a vehicle assault suspect Sunday night, authorities said Monday.

The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating the shooting because it happened in its jurisdiction, Ashland, identified the suspect as Reynaldo Melendezespinoz, 40, of San Leandro.

He was booked at Santa Rita Jail on suspicion of attempted murder and felon in possession of a firearm. He listed his occupation as dry-wall finisher and is being held without bail pending his arraignment in court on Thursday.

According to authorities, about 8:30 p.m. Sunday, San Leandro officers were investigating a vehicular assault in their city.

The investigation led San Leandro police to the area of 164th Avenue and East 14th Street in unincorporated Ashland, where the suspect and vehicle were located.

No other details about the vehicle assault have been released by San Leandro police, including if someone was actually injured.

According to the sheriff’s office, Melendezespinoz allegedly shot at three San Leandro officers who returned fire before he was subsequently detained and arrested. The gun allegedly used by Melendezespinoz was recovered at the scene, the sheriff’s office said.

The names of the officers have not been released.

Details about his prior felony conviction were not immediately available.

While the sheriff’s office continues to investigate the shooting, San Leandro police will be conducting a separate and concurrent internal investigation, authorities said.

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