Palo Alto, CA --The Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers held their annual Recognition Banquet, “An Evening with the Stars,” honoring and recognizing local law enforcement officers for their excellent work on Friday, April 6, 2007. This year, officers Kelly Burger and Anjanette Holler were recognized by this organization for apprehending Luis Gonzalez, a parolee who committed a residential burglary and two armed car-jackings before fleeing from police.

What began on June 26, 2006 as an interrupted residential burglary, turned into an armed robbery and car-jacking, ending the evening with a manhunt in Palo Alto. On that day a resident came home to find a burglar inside his house in the 4100 block of Middlefield Road. The suspect pulled a handgun on the resident and fled in the resident’s green Toyota pick-up. Less than 10 minutes later, a 9-1-1 caller reported a car jacking on Charleston Road. The suspect left the first victim’s truck and stole a red Toyota Corolla. The second vehicle was involved in a collision and the suspect fled on foot. Police surrounded the adjoining neighborhood and a large search was conducted.

During the early morning hours of June 27, 2007, the two officers noticed a subject on East Bayshore Road fitting the description of the missing suspect. After contact was made, they noticed that the suspect had on wet clothing and was missing his shoes. He was confirmed on parole and a search revealed a .44 caliber revolver. The subject was arrested and identified as Luis Gonzalez. Subsequent investigation and evidence collection revealed that Gonzalez was the same suspect who committed the robbery and car-jackings. Charges were recently filed against the long sought after suspect.

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