Citizen tips cops in SoCal fugitive arrest

Hossein Nayeri and Jonathan Tieu, who escaped an Orange County Jail last week, were arrested Saturday morning in San Francisco after a witness reported seeing one of the suspects and the vehicle they were driving.

Just before 9 a.m., the resident flagged down officers near Golden Gate Park, giving a description of the vehicle and a suspect, police said.

Officers located a person who matched the description given by the witness near the corner of Waller and Stanyan streets.

A foot pursuit ensued near Kezar Stadium inside the park. The suspect, later identified as Nayeri, was apprehended, according to police.

A stolen van the men were driving was located at Haight and Stanyan streets. Inside the van officers discovered Jonathan Tieu hiding, police said.

Officers detained Tieu and both escapees were taken into police custody.

Police Chief Greg Suhr said in a statement:

“This is an excellent example of how the public can help SFPD keep this city safe – A citizen saw a someone suspicious, notified an officer, which ultimately led to the apprehension of two armed and dangerous criminals who escaped from jail.”

Nayeri and Tieu escaped from the Orange County Central Men’s Jail in Santa Ana on Jan. 22, along with Bac Duong. Duong was captured Friday in Santa Ana.

Prior to their apprehension this morning, Nayeri and Tieu had been seen Thursday night in San Jose near The Alameda and Interstate Highway 880, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

Bay City News

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