Jul 22, 2008

BREAKING NEWS: Palo Alto police release new photo of homicide suspect

Search continues for alleged shooter

By Kristina Peterson / Daily News Staff Writer

The Palo Alto Police Department released a new photo of homicide suspect Otto Emil Koloto this morning.

Police have been searching since last week for Koloto, 22, the Gilroy resident suspected of fatally shooting 27-year-old South San Francisco resident Phillip Lacy outside City Hall on July 13.

Last Wednesday the Palo Alto police issued a $2 million warrant for his arrest.

Palo Alto Police Department Agent Dan Ryan said police have questioned Koloto's family and friends as to his whereabouts, but have not yet been able to locate him.

Police believe Koloto may be hiding in San Jose, Gilroy or East Palo Alto, where he has several family members.

"We still think he's hiding with friends, we're just not sure who they are," Ryan said this morning.

The photo released today was taken during a previous arrest when Koloto had shorter hair, Ryan said.

According to Santa Clara County court records, police arrested Koloto eight times in the past four years, most often on suspicion of driving or appearing in public while drunk or in possession of a controlled substance.

Koloto may have recently changed his appearance by shaving or cutting his hair, which previously was longer and often in braids, Ryan said.

Last week the city issued a $10,000 award to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for this month's homicide, the second to occur in Palo Alto this year.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Palo Alto police department's anonymous tip line at (650) 329-2190.

E-mail Kristina Peterson at kpeterson@dailynewsgroup.com.