ICYMI: California Fugitive Busted After 20 Years – You’ll Never Believe Where He Was Hiding!
After two decades, an animal rights extremist behind 2003 California bombings is finally caught—his violent protest ends in a dramatic arrest! 🌐 #News #AlamedaCountyCA #California #Crime
ALAMEDA COUNTY, CA – After more than 20 years of evading authorities, Daniel Andreas San Diego, the fugitive responsible for bombings targeting animal testing companies in Alameda County, California, has been arrested in Wales. This marks the end of a lengthy pursuit by law enforcement agencies that finally led to his capture in a remote corner of the United Kingdom.
San Diego’s Violent Acts and Motivations
San Diego, 46, is accused of orchestrating two bombings in Northern California in 2003, both carried out as acts of protest against companies he believed were involved in animal experimentation.
On August 28, 2003, a homemade pipe bomb exploded at Chiron Corp., a biotech company in Emeryville, just across the bay from San Francisco. Less than a month later, on September 26, another bomb—this one strapped with nails—detonated at Shaklee Corp., a nutritional company in nearby Pleasanton. Despite the violent nature of the attacks, fortunately, no one was injured.
The FBI believes that San Diego targeted these companies because they had partnered with a laboratory that conducted animal experiments. His actions were part of a broader campaign of violence linked to the animal rights extremist movement.
The Capture in Wales
San Diego’s arrest was made possible through a coordinated effort by North Wales Police, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), and Counter Terrorism Police. The authorities apprehended him on Monday, November 25, 2024, bringing an end to a two-decade-long manhunt. The U.S. FBI, who had been actively pursuing San Diego since the bombings, celebrated the arrest as a triumph of persistence and determination.
FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the importance of this capture, stating, “Daniel San Diego’s arrest after more than 20 years as a fugitive for two bombings in the San Francisco area shows that no matter how long it takes, the FBI will find you and hold you accountable.”
FBI’s Pursuit and San Diego’s Background
San Diego, born in Berkeley, California, was described by the FBI as a vegan and former computer network specialist. Authorities have said his extreme views on animal rights motivated his violent actions. Despite his disappearance for over two decades, the FBI never stopped pursuing him. Director Wray added, “There’s a right way and a wrong way to express your views in our country, and turning to violence and destruction of property is not the right way.”
San Diego’s arrest in Wales highlights the international reach of law enforcement efforts, as he had successfully evaded capture by crossing borders and hiding under false identities for years.
Company Responses and the Fallout
The companies that were targeted by San Diego have since responded to the incidents. Chiron Corp., which was acquired by Novartis AG in 2005, could not be immediately reached for comment. However, Shaklee Corp., the company targeted in the second bombing, made their position clear.
The company stated, “As a matter of policy, Shaklee Corporation is opposed to and does not conduct animal testing of any kind on any Shaklee product.” Shaklee was not involved in animal testing, a fact the company has emphasized in response to the attack.
Final Thoughts on the Capture
The capture of Daniel San Diego marks the end of a long chapter for both the authorities and the victims of his bombings. While his violent actions led to no fatalities, the disruption and fear they caused were significant. This arrest underscores the commitment of law enforcement to pursuing fugitives no matter how long it takes, ensuring that justice is ultimately served.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | California | United Kingdom
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