Oakland Teacher Arrested for Squatting and Stealing Mayor’s SUV
Police in Oakland have taken a 29-year-old man into custody on suspicion of squatting in City Hall for several days. He allegedly stole Mayor Barbara Lee’s SUV, according to authorities and a source familiar with the situation.
The suspect, Logan Tel DeSilva, reportedly evaded detection at City Hall throughout the President’s Day weekend. He then purportedly carjacked the mayor’s Ford Expedition, which was recovered on Tuesday afternoon, just hours after it was reported missing.
DeSilva was booked into Santa Rita Jail early Friday, facing charges for felony theft, vehicle theft, and related offenses, including criminal damage to property and contempt of court, as outlined in Alameda County Jail records.
KTVU was the first to report on DeSilva’s arrest, and the Post confirmed this with officials.
He is being held without bail, and an arraignment is set for Monday morning at Oakland’s Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse.
DeSilva’s LinkedIn profile claims he was a teacher at North Hills Christian School; however, school administrators stated he hasn’t worked there for at least two years.
When informed of DeSilva’s arrest, officials at the school expressed their shock, saying, “Oh my god.”
It appears that he worked as a physical education teacher, and notably, his mother still has a position at the school.
According to the school’s website, North Hills Christian School aims to “love God, serve others, and change the world.”
The unusual crime took place during the quiet President’s Day weekend, when City Hall was largely empty and security measures were less stringent. Authorities say surveillance footage reveals the suspect entering the Civic Center last Friday. He likely found an opportunity due to reduced security during the holiday.
On Monday, it’s alleged that DeSilva “jimmyed” the door to the mayor’s office and escaped in her SUV using an unsecured entrance in the parking lot.
The mayor’s office has not responded to requests for comments on this incident.
A post apparently authored by DeSilva outlines personal struggles. In a letter, he mentions returning from a lengthy stay in Vallejo about two years ago feeling broken, stating that life had unraveled his beliefs, but he still held on to his faith in Jesus Christ.
