Photo: found in stolen car
FREMONT — A frequent jail inmate faces new charges stemming from his latest arrest for a shooting. His charges include vehicle theft and five weapons-related charges, including possession of a controlled substance with a firearm.
The 34-year-old Oakland resident, Rufus C. Barker allegedly attempted to steal a catalytic converter from a commercial truck. The victim and his co-workers interrupted two suspects, and one of the suspects fired multiple shots at them.
It happened near Havasu Street and Choctaw Drive in Fremont, where the victim’s truck was parked on September 3. This attempted theft quickly escalated to violence.
The victim struck one of the suspects with a crowbar, prompting both suspects to flee. Evidently, the suspects fled in a vehicle stolen in San Francisco a few days earlier.
The fleeing suspects stopped briefly, and one of them shot at the victim and witnesses. Barker was later identified as the suspect responsible for shooting. As for the stolen vehicle, it was located unoccupied several hours later.
Barker was arrested September 21 at Motel 6 Hayward, located at 30155 Industrial Parkway Southwest in Hayward. He was arriving in another stolen vehicle when he was apprehended. A loaded handgun was also recovered.
Barker was on probation for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Nevertheless, Barker posted bond for release from Santa Rita Jail on September 29. His next scheduled court date is December 9.
Barker has prior arrests for carrying a loaded firearm near a school and possession of stolen vehicles. He also has prior arrests for possession of controlled substances for sale, human trafficking, and various other drugs and weapons offenses.
