Last Thursday, an alert BART rider spotted someone peering into parked cars inside the Fruitvale station parking structure and decided it was worth a call. That tip ended with officers arresting Jobie Morton and recovering a loaded stolen handgun, suspected narcotics, and other stolen property. The arrest itself took place in Alameda, according to BART’s social post.
Rider Tip Led Officers To The Fruitvale Parking Garage
According to the BART Police Department on Facebook, a rider reported seeing someone looking into vehicles inside the Fruitvale parking structure and contacted authorities. Officers responded and detained the suspect last Thursday in Alameda, the post states. The department credited the quick rider report with helping officers find the scene and recover evidence before it disappeared.
Officers Recovered A Stolen Loaded Handgun And Suspected Narcotics
BART’s post says officers found the suspect in possession of a stolen loaded Glock handgun from Fremont, along with suspected narcotics and other stolen property, when they detained him. The department identified the man as Jobie Morton in the social media update. BART did not list formal charges in the post, and Alameda County authorities will handle booking and any potential filings.
How To Report Suspicious Activity To BART Police
BART urges riders to keep the tips coming by reporting suspicious behavior through the free BART Watch app, using Text BART Police at 510-200-0992 for non-emergencies, and calling 911 or BART Police dispatch at 510-464-7000 for crimes in progress. Per BART, Text BART Police is available 24/7 and can accept photos to help dispatchers understand what is happening.
The Fruitvale Station, located at 3401 East 12th Street, Oakland, is listed on the agency’s station page at BART.
Why Rider Reports Still Matter
Parking-lot prowls and auto break-ins at BART stations have been a recurring problem in the East Bay, and Fruitvale has repeatedly appeared in crime data as a frequent target, according to local reporting. SFGATE previously reported Fruitvale among stations with high auto-burglary counts, which helps explain why transit officials keep pushing for more reporting and patrols. Riders are still urged to lock their doors and avoid leaving valuables where they can be seen…