Police identify man shot by cop

UNION CITY -- Police on Monday identified the man who was shot and wounded by an officer Sunday evening and released further details about the replica weapon the man was carrying.

Fremont resident Randy Vilhauer, 48, has been identified as the man who was shot through both legs as he fled from police after being caught stealing alcohol, Lt. Tom Haselton said.

Vilhauer, who does not have a criminal record in Alameda County, was shot through one leg and the bullet traveled through the skin and lodged in the other leg, Haselton said.

He has been arrested on suspicion of brandishing a firearm at a police officer and petty theft, but he remained in intensive care at a local hospital on Monday, the lieutenant said. It was unclear when he would be arraigned.

The officer involved in the shooting, an unnamed 11/2-year police veteran, has been placed on paid administrative leave as the shooting is investigated, the lieutenant said.

Police on Monday said Vilhauer was shot about 5:30 p.m. after he ran from World Liquors, on Alvarado-Niles Road near Decoto Road, where he allegedly stole a half-pint of hard liquor.

When officers contacted him in front of the store, he ran and at one point pulled a black Taurus Millennium PT111 Softair replica firearm from his waistband, police said. As Vilhauer ran, he pointed the toy at the officer, which prompted the officer to open fire, Haselton said.

"The gun is all black and looks just like a real semi-automatic handgun," the lieutenant said.

Vilhauer's condition was unknown Monday, but his injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, Haselton said.

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