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El Cerrito police announced on Tuesday the arrest of an 18-year-old Richmond man believed to have been the getaway driver in a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a 21-year-old Castro Valley resident last month. The suspect, identified as Jamir Buckley, was taken into custody after investigators located him in possession of an illegal assault rifle and a high-capacity magazine, according to authorities.
The shooting occurred on Aug. 23 at approximately 12:15 p.m. in the parking lot of the Del Norte Plaza shopping center, located in the 11200 block of San Pablo Avenue. Officers responding to the scene found a man suffering from at least one gunshot wound near the Los Moles restaurant. The victim, later identified as Jakai Couch, died at the scene.
Buckley is now being held without bail at the Martinez Detention Facility on suspicion of murder, jail records show. The arrest marks the second in connection with the shooting. The first suspect, 18-year-old Jacari Gibson, was taken into custody on Aug. 24, also on suspicion of murder.
Police said they worked with regional law enforcement partners to track down Buckley. The investigation relied heavily on surveillance footage from cameras near the scene, which captured images of the suspect vehicle but not its license plate. Investigators then used automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology, coordinating with other agencies, to identify a license plate for a 2017 Nissan Maxima. That vehicle was placed on a statewide alert list and was later found in Vallejo on Aug. 24.
The discovery of the illegal assault rifle during Buckley’s arrest has raised concerns about gun violence in the area. While police did not release details on the type of firearm or magazine, they emphasized that the weapon was prohibited under California law. The state has some of the strictest gun regulations in the country, including bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
Authorities confirmed that three suspects were involved in the shooting. With Buckley and Gibson in custody, the search for the third individual remains active. Police have not released a description of the third suspect but are urging anyone with information to come forward. The El Cerrito Police Department is asking the public to contact its investigations unit or submit anonymous tips through local crime stoppers.
The shooting has shaken the community, particularly given the daytime location at a busy shopping center. “It’s disturbing that something like this happened in broad daylight,” said a local business owner who asked not to be named. “We hope the police find everyone involved.” Police have not disclosed a possible motive for the killing, and the investigation remains open.
This case highlights the increasing use of ALPR technology by law enforcement to solve serious crimes. ALPR systems automatically scan license plates and cross-reference them against databases of stolen vehicles or vehicles linked to criminal activity. The technology has been credited with aiding in numerous arrests across the Bay Area.
As the search for the third suspect continues, police encourage anyone with information to call the El Cerrito Police Department at (510) 215-4400 or to leave an anonymous tip at (510) 215-4429. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
