SAN LEANDRO (BCN) — A reported shooting on Sunday led police to arrest a man on suspicion of illegally growing marijuana at a house in San Leandro, officers said.
San Leandro police responded to a reported shooting in the 15000 block of Wengate Street at 2:45 a.m.A car reportedly sped off before officers arrived, police said.
A car reportedly sped off before officers arrived, police said.
Police found a man who they believe to be in his 70s walking away from the site of the shooting.
They determined that he was connected to the Wengate Street home. They searched his home and neighborhood for other suspects and possible victims, but did not find any.
Police instead found several hundred marijuana plants in different stages of growth.
Officers noticed that the main power to the house had been bypassed to avoid paying the large electric bill to support the operation.
The man was arrested on suspicion of illegally cultivating marijuana. Pacific Gas and Electric crews disconnected the main power to the residence.
“Often, homes like this are difficult for police to detect. We rely on information from the neighbors, who often report suspicious activity, which usually [leads] to the arrest and the seizure of illegally grown marijuana,”
San Leandro police Lt. Robert McManus said in a statement.
“It is equally as important to notify police with your suspicions, as home that have bypassed PG&E power, like this house did, often catch fire unexpectedly, posing an immediate threat to neighbors and the community,” McManus said.
Police investigators recovered $500 worth of processed marijuana for sale and approximately $10,000 worth of mature marijuana plants.
Investigators estimate that the operation could produce $150,000 worth of marijuana annually.
Officers found bullet shell casings that they believe to be from a semiautomatic pistol near the house.