Brentwood Police Launch Full-Scale Investigation After Daylight Robbery and Shooting at Fremont Bank Leaves One Hospitalized and Community on Edge

Brentwood, CA — April 4, 2025

Authorities in Brentwood are actively investigating a violent incident that occurred Thursday morning at the Fremont Bank branch located on Lone Tree Way, following reports of an armed robbery that escalated into a shooting. The incident, which sent shockwaves through the suburban East Bay community, unfolded just after 9:30 a.m., prompting a heavy police response and a temporary lockdown of nearby businesses and schools.

Incident Overview

According to preliminary information released by the Brentwood Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 6600 block of Lone Tree Way after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire and a potential robbery in progress at the Fremont Bank location.

Upon arrival, officers encountered a chaotic scene. Witnesses described hearing shouting inside the bank followed by several gunshots. “I was in the parking lot and I heard at least four loud pops. People started running out of the bank,” said Maria Lopez, a local resident who had just arrived to deposit a check. “It was terrifying. I ducked behind my car and called 911.”

Police confirmed that at least one person sustained gunshot wounds during the incident. The victim, whose identity has not yet been publicly released, was transported to a nearby hospital and is currently listed in stable but serious condition. It remains unclear whether the individual was a bank employee, a customer, or the suspect.

Suspect and Investigation

Authorities have not yet confirmed if any arrests have been made in connection with the robbery. Surveillance footage is currently being reviewed, and investigators are speaking with witnesses and collecting forensic evidence from the scene.

Brentwood Police Chief Thomas Hansen addressed the media during a brief press conference outside the bank Thursday afternoon. “This was a brazen and violent act in broad daylight, and we are dedicating every available resource to apprehending the person or persons responsible,” he said. “We understand the concern this has caused in our community, and we are working diligently to ensure the safety of our residents.”

Police have not yet released a description of the suspect, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation, but they did confirm that a getaway vehicle may have been involved. A dark-colored sedan was reportedly seen speeding away from the scene shortly after the shots were fired. Officers are urging anyone with dashcam footage or surveillance video from the surrounding area to come forward.

Community Reaction

The Fremont Bank robbery and shooting have left many in Brentwood shaken. The area is generally considered safe, and violent crimes such as this are rare. The bank is located near a busy shopping center, and the incident occurred during peak morning hours, raising fears about public safety.

“I bring my kids to school just a few blocks from here,” said Brian McAdams, a concerned parent. “It’s scary to think something like this could happen in our neighborhood.”

The Brentwood Union School District confirmed that several schools were briefly placed on precautionary lockdown as the situation unfolded. “Out of an abundance of caution, we implemented a temporary lockdown at nearby campuses,” the district said in a statement. “There was no direct threat to any of the schools, and students remained safe throughout.”

Fremont Bank issued a statement Thursday evening, expressing gratitude for the swift response by law enforcement and extending support to any affected staff and customers. “The safety of our employees and clients is our top priority,” the statement read. “We are cooperating fully with authorities and will provide counseling and support services to those impacted by this traumatic event.”

Broader Trends and Context

While violent bank robberies have become less frequent in recent years due to increased security measures, digital banking, and improved surveillance technology, incidents such as Thursday’s remain a troubling reminder of the potential for violence in financial institutions.

According to the FBI’s most recent bank crime statistics, there were over 2,500 bank robberies in the United States in 2024, with a small percentage resulting in injury or death. The majority of perpetrators are apprehended within days or weeks, thanks in part to high-definition video surveillance and interagency collaboration.

In Brentwood and surrounding Contra Costa County, the Fremont Bank incident marks the first reported armed bank robbery of 2025, though authorities have investigated several armed robberies at convenience stores and gas stations since the beginning of the year.

What’s Next

As of Friday morning, Fremont Bank remains closed as police continue to process the crime scene. Forensic units could be seen entering and exiting the building throughout the day. Police have not indicated when the branch will reopen but said that all evidence is being meticulously documented.

Brentwood Police are urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or relevant information to the department’s anonymous tip line. They also reassured the public that there is no current threat, though extra patrols have been added throughout the city in response to community concerns.

“We will not rest until the person or persons responsible for this act are brought to justice,” said Chief Hansen. “This community deserves to feel safe — and we intend to ensure that.”

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Brentwood Police Department at (925) 809-7911 or submit an anonymous tip online.