Michael Diles, Suspected Muni Robber on the Lam, Busted in Berkeley

Michael Diles

It's always a good idea to have a clean driving record, even more so if you're a wanted suspect on the run.

But 25-year-old Michael Diles didn't exactly play it safe while fleeing the cops. During a routine traffic stop, Berkeley police nabbed the San Francisco man who had been wanted for pepper-spraying and trying to rob a foreign exchange student while on Muni.

Last month, police arrested Diles' suspected accomplice, 24-year-old Raheem Muhammad, who remains in custody today. At the time of his arrest, police issued a crime alert, asking the public to help track down suspect No. 2.
Police say that on Oct. 20 about 5:45 p.m., Muhammad, an Oakland resident, and Diles were on on the 38-line in downtown when Diles came up behind the victim and allegedly doused him with pepper spray.

Muhammad then rushed over and allegedly tried to steal the 24-year-old man's backpack. The victim was wouldn't give up his bag, and both suspects got off the bus, running in different directions.

Smile!

Muni Task Force officers detained Muhammad, but Diles escaped, said Officer Gordon Shyy. Muhammad was charged with attempted robbery and conspiracy.

Using Muni surveillance video, officers identified the second suspect as Diles, and a warrant for his arrest was issued.

Diles has been booked into San Francisco County Jail on charges of attempted robbery and assault with a caustic chemical, both felonies.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Muni Task Force at 832-8338, the SFPD anonymous tip line at 575-4444, or text a tip to TIP411, beginning the message with "SFPD."

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