Man Charged With Attempted Murder Of San Leandro Police Officers

SAN LEANDRO, CA — Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced Wednesday that Reynaldo Melendez, 40, has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly firing at three San Leandro police officers following a traffic stop.

Melendez was driving a 2021 Toyota Tacoma, which matched the description of a vehicle reportedly used as a weapon in a domestic violence case in a San Leandro Walmart parking lot.

Prosecutors have charged Melendez with:

• Three counts of attempted murder of a peace officer.
• Three counts of assault on a peace officer with a semiautomatic firearm.
• One count of felon in possession of a firearm.
• Unlawful firearm activity.
• Two counts of assault with a deadly weapon.
• Three counts of child abuse.

The charges include a gun use enhancement and a prior strike enhancement.

According to the criminal complaint, on Feb. 16, Melendez allegedly fired at San Leandro Officers Blake Staniford, Quinton May, and Austin Lovel while they were performing their duties.

Prosecutors also allege that he used his vehicle as a deadly weapon.

“The crimes that are alleged here are very serious,” said DA Jones Dickson. “My office has zero tolerance for gun violence. The whole community is at risk when a gun is used in any crime. Public safety is a priority for this office as well as our community.”

Melendez is scheduled to appear for a plea hearing on March 3, 2025, in Department 112 at Wiley E. Manuel Superior Courthouse in Oakland. If convicted on all charges, he faces more than 50 years to life in prison.