Suspect in Custody Allegedly Killed a 78-Year-old Man at a Gas Station
Photo: Stock Image
SAN LEANDRO — An elderly man working at a gas station had his head bashed into a pole and he died. The suspect who allegedly attacked the victim is in custody. Dennis Lee, 40, a laborer from Stockton, is behind bars at Alameda County Santa Rita Jail.
With help from the San Joaquin Sheriff’s Office, San Leandro officers arrested Lee on March 8. Lee’s home was searched before he was arrested. His parents’ home in Castro Valley was searched also.
Investigators recovered two guns and clothing that Lee allegedly wore when 78-year-old Wadih Badran was attacked. The victim was pronounced dead February 22 at a Speedway gas station, 14880 East 14th Street in San Leandro.
Officers responded to the gas station that day at 12:15 p.m. The suspect evidently attacked the gas station employee who confronted him for loitering. San Leandro police said in a prepared statement. “Lee came up behind the victim and shoved him into a pole, causing head and neck trauma. It proved to be fatal.”
The suspect ran into a nearby neighborhood before officers arrived on the scene. “Patrol officers and detectives conducted an extensive canvass of the area for the suspect, witnesses, and surveillance footage.” Lee was identified subsequently as the suspect based on recorded video and forensic evidence.
Felony charges filed against Lee include murder, causing violence or harm to a vulnerable victim, and possession of firearms by a felon. Lee has prior convictions for receiving stolen property and vehicle theft.
