$20,000 reward offered for suspect in SJ crime spree

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- There is a growing memorial for a young man killed Friday night and a growing reward fund to find one of the men responsible is also growing. San Jose police and the mayor's office are teaming up to get a dangerous criminal off the streets. Each has put $10,000 into a reward fund to help catch a murderer.

"We're very concerned which is why we are here enlisting the public's help in getting this suspect in custody," San Jose Police Asst. Chief Rikki Goede said.

Police officers and Mayor Chuck Reed hope a $20,000 reward fund will help get a dangerous criminal off the streets.

Jonathan Wilbanks, 26, is already in custody but a second man, described as Hispanic or African American, 20-25 years old, 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall, and 180-200 pounds, is still wanted.

"We know that people know the suspects, we know that somebody has information about this and we need their cooperation," Reed said.

The plea for help comes after a deadly crime spree Friday night, including the attempted carjacking that took the life of 22-year-old Rory Parkpettiford. A string of robberies started at 7:25 p.m. at the Little Caesars Pizza on Story Road; 15 minutes later police say the duo robbed a gas station at East Capitol Expressway and then held up a Jack in the Box on Curtner Avenue before robbing a spa on Bird Avenue. Parkpettiford was killed at the 7-Eleven on South Kiely Boulevard.

Later the suspects spotted a patrol car with an officer who had picked up their trail.

"He had followed them for a little way so for them to jump out, both triangulate on him, basically trying to kill him, that is an extremely violent criminal," San Jose Police Sgt. Jason Dwyer said.

One bullet hit the officer, but only resulted in minor injuries, and police continued the chase.

"I think it speaks to the bravery of the men and women every single day out there," Goede said. "You can see his car, you can see his belt. He stayed in the fight, stayed in the chase until the one person was taken into custody."

Anyone with information on the alleged crimes or the identity and whereabouts of the second suspect should contact San Jose police Detective Sgt. Craig Storlie at (408) 277-5283. Anonymous tips can be made by calling (408) 947-7867 or go to www.tipsubmit.com.

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