Week in Review: Cement Truck Driver Rams Car in Road Rage Fit; Memorial Fund Established For Man Found in Trash Bin

FREMONT

A cement truck driver was arrested Thursday after a frightening fit of road rage, police said.  The suspect, a 32-year-old employee of Tri-City Rock, was heading eastbound on Automall Parkway when he engaged in a dispute with the driver of a black Audi. The suspect rammed the Audi, pushing it forward five feet, according to Fremont police. Police said both drivers got out of the vehicle but that the victim ran back to the Audi when the suspect waved a hammer. The suspect then proceeded to follow the victim and punched him three times in the face. Read the full report here.

Sierra LaMar Murder Suspect Linked to Three Attempted Kidnappings

The murder suspect in the case of missing Morgan Hill teen Sierra LaMar has been linked to a string of attempted kidnappings that occurred three years ago. According to the San Jose Mercury News, Antolin Garcia-Torres, 21, who was charged with Sierra’s murder in May, now faces charges in three separate attempted kidnapping and attempted carjacking incidents that occurred at Morgan Hill Safeway parking lots in 2009. Two of the incidents occurred on March 19, 2009. Click here for more details.

Last Votes Casted for California School for the Deaf in National Contest

This was the last week community members could help the California School for the Deaf win $25,000.The Fremont school's football team is currently second among 10 national sports program featured in Sports Illustrated’s “Underdogs” competition. Voting ended Thursday, and the winner has yet to be announced. Whoever receives the most votes online will receive the financial grant and a trip to New York for the media outlet’s Sportsman of the Year awards gala.

NEWARK

Bomb Squad Called After “Suspicious Boxes Found” Near Bank

A bomb squad was called after three "suspicious" boxes were found near Bank of the West Thursday evening, according to Newark police. Officers were first called around 5:15 p.m. when a bank employee discovered the three boxes in the parking lot toward the west side of the bank's building, according to a Newark police statement. A bomb squad was called to examine the boxes and chunks of concrete were found inside. Click here for the full report.

Alternatives to Selling Ruschin School Being Considered

Whether Ruschin Elementary School will be sold has yet to be determined, but board members authorized staff to look at the district’s options Tuesday night. Newark Unified School District was given the green light to sell the school campus in February 2011 when the five-member board authorized staff members to solicit offers for the site, which sits on the 36000 block of Ruschin Drive. But staff will now work with Hayward-based consultant firm Dutra-Cerro-Graden to determine what will be the best option for the district. Learn more here.

Two-Alarm House Fire Displaces Family

A family was displaced after a two-alarm fire ripped through their Severn Drive home, damaging its attic and roof. Fire officials said the damage to the home is estimated between $175,000 and $200,000. For more information, click here.

UNION CITY

Memorial Fund Established for Man Who Died After Being Found in Trash Bin

The family of a Union City man who passed away after being found unconscious in a trash bin Sunday morning has established a memorial fund to help pay for his funeral services. Those who want to help can contribute to the “Joshua Gonzalez-Perez Memorial,” care of Bank of the West, account number 028884239. Contributions can be made at any Bank of the West Branch, according to bank staff. Read more here.

Union City Food Truck Events Canceled Due to Low Attendance

Local fans of the Food Truck Mafia’s biweekly gatherings in Union City will have to head to Fremont to get their fix — for now.  The Tuesday gatherings at James Logan High School have been postponed for the rest of the fall and winter seasons due to a combination of poor weather and low attendance, organizers said. The last event was held Tuesday, Oct. 30. Thursday gatherings at Union Landing were cancelled in late August, also because of low attendance, said April Bibbins of the Food Truck Mafia. Click here for the full report.

Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Killing Drug Dealer in Union City

A truck driver who pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter in connection to the killing of a low-level cocaine dealer in Union City 30 years ago has been sentenced to seven years in prison. Donald Wilson, 68, of Santa Clara, was initially charged with murder in connection to the death of Hayward resident Michael Barbato, 29. Read the full report here.

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