Reports of a man firing into a car on the Oakland side of the Caldecott Tunnel rippled into a massive traffic slowdown from Orinda to Walnut Creek Thursday as police maneuvered to stop and detain a suspect on eastbound Highway 24 and Interstate 680 in Walnut Creek.
Initial reports that a person had sustained a wound or injury to the head proved untrue though two cars were reportedly struck by gunfire at 3:45pm.
CHP officers later said Carlos Ray Thomas, 57, fired shots that hit two cars but amazingly did not strike occupants. Thomas was ultimately arrested on Highway 24 near Olympic after crashing his car into a center divide and allegedly attempting to flee the area.
A firearm allegedly used in the shooting was also recovered.
A pit bull in the suspect’s vehicle did get out and managed to elude officers and animal control officers despite attempts to corral it.
Oh the joys of the Oakland side of the tunnel! As you could tell, I’m kind of down on Oakland I work in Oakland. I’ve worked there the last 3 years , and since I’ve had two carjackings and one gun aimed at me walking back to Bart. So I’m kind of down on the town. I never feel qiute good until I’m back through the tunnel and on the Lamorinda side of things
Stuck in traffic for two hours now.
That was nuts. Hope they find the dog.
A dozen shots could be very deadly. I’m thankful it wasn’t worse than it was. Hopefully the suspect is in custody.
And I hear the recall effort for the CoCo DA has fizzled. Expect more of this.
Firestone 11R
It didn’t fizzle. It didn’t smolder. The August re-light of this failed March torch parade did not ignite. The CC Co recall brigade is 0 – 2. You, however, fizzle bigly in your fear-mongering bravado.
Ooooh, make me safe…Put armed marines on my street. At my door.
Make sure everyone has a gun! No more traffic problems!
David,
Go ahead walk the streets thinking you are safe, I certainly hope so. Me, I was trained at LASD.
Firestone 11R
DA Becton has been toughing up her image by enforcing some of the laws now. You know it’s only because of the recall. If the recall doesn’t happen she’s going to go back to turning all the criminals loose again
“If the recall doesn’t happen she’s going to go back to turning all the criminals loose again”
To believe that the elected DA wants to turn ALL criminals loose is patently insane. It does not benefit her or ANYONE.
“Reports of a man firing into a car on the Oakland side of the Caldecott Tunnel rippled into a massive traffic slowdown”
The crime occurred in Alameda County.
One guy with a gun did all that to all those people. His dog has more sense.
Guess what, Carlos Ray Thomas is not in custody at either Contra Costa or Alameda Sheriff. He is out, have fun out there voters.
Firestone 11R
“Thomas was later booked into Santa Rita jail on suspicion of multiple crimes, including attempted murder and shooting from a vehicle.”
And he’s out now, booked and released or bailed. Checked Alameda SO inmate locator, he is out.
Firestone 11R
Per the Chronicle, “jail records show he is being held without bail.”
Thanks for those alerts!!
Come on, Jeff. He’s in Santa Rita, no bail. Housing – OPHUWEST. Arraignment – 10/13/25 9 a.m. Dept 112. The first (and probably the last) time I’ll ever look up an inmate.
Great photos. Hope the pitty is safe!
Guess I looked too soon, he is in the can…………..for now.
https://www.alamedacountyca.gov/sheriff_app/inmateSearch.do
Firestone 11R
“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.”
― Aristotle