Hayward police report that the suspect, later identified as 42-year-old Nathan Hoang, forced entry through a patio door of a victim’s home before being spotted in the front yard.
When officers arrived, Hoang fled through neighboring properties and was eventually seen climbing onto a rooftop. Officers attempted to negotiate with him, but Hoang jumped into a backyard and continued running while armed with a screwdriver. Despite repeated commands to surrender, Hoang refused. Officers deployed tasers, and when one was effective, they moved in to detain him.
Although Hoang dropped the screwdriver, he resisted arrest and at one point swung the tool at an officer, creating an immediate safety risk. Officers were able to restrain him and placed him in a recovery position. Emergency medical personnel then assumed care.
Hoang was conscious and talking as paramedics transported him from the scene. While inside the ambulance, however, he experienced a medical emergency. Paramedics initiated CPR, and he was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.
Hoang’s condition worsened during hospitalization, and he passed away on March 21, 2025.
According to the Alameda County Coroner’s Office, the cause of death was anoxic encephalopathy (brain injury from lack of oxygen) due to cardiac arrest. The cardiac arrest resulted from a combination of methamphetamine toxicity, cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), and the physical exertion and stress of the incident.
This case remains under review in accordance with standard protocol for in-custody deaths.