McAlister’s String of 2020 Arrests Went Unchecked (Image Credits: Nypost.com)
San Francisco – A recent government claim accuses California parole agents of neglecting a high-risk felon’s repeated violations, paving the way for a methamphetamine-driven crash that claimed two lives on New Year’s Eve 2020.[1][2]
McAlister’s String of 2020 Arrests Went Unchecked
Troy McAlister, a parolee with over 70 felonies in San Francisco alone, faced multiple arrests in the months leading to the fatal incident. Police notified his assigned agent, Roberto Vasquez, after several of these events, yet no holds or revocations followed.[3]
Authorities documented a pattern of escalating crimes. McAlister’s violations included burglaries, vehicle thefts, and drug possession, each signaling a growing threat.[4]
- June 28: Arrested for residential burglary in the Ingleside District, possession of burglary tools, and giving a false name to police.
- August 20: Detained for vehicle theft and possession of stolen property along the Great Highway.
- October 15: Caught with a stolen vehicle and methamphetamine on 19th Avenue.
- November 6: Booked for auto burglary near San Francisco State University, noted as a “dangerous” suspect with extensive priors.
- December 20: Pulled over driving a stolen car with methamphetamine on Eddy Street.
These incidents qualified as serious felonies under state guidelines, warranting intervention. Still, parole officials took no action.[3]
Pandemic Memos Limited Agent Response
Internal directives from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation shaped the inaction. A May 11 email from supervisor Tom Porter instructed agents to avoid searches for violations and decline assistance to outside law enforcement amid COVID-19 restrictions.[1]
Earlier memos allowed exceptions for imminent public safety risks, such as carjacking or firearm felonies. Porter’s message, sent to agents including Vasquez, emphasized remote work and limited visits. Assistant supervisor Rhoderick Reyes also faced scrutiny in the claim.[4]
On December 29, Daly City police sought Vasquez’s help to locate McAlister after a carjacking where he brandished a 9mm pistol with an extended magazine. Agents had GPS data and ankle monitor access but ignored the request.[2]
The Collision That Shocked the City
Two days later, McAlister drove the stolen Honda HR-V from the carjacking, high on methamphetamine and fleeing an armed robbery. He ran a red light at Second and Mission Streets, striking pedestrians Hanako Abe, 27, and Elizabeth Platt, 60.[1]
Both women died at the scene, strangers united in tragedy. McAlister, on his third parole term after a 2015 robbery conviction, sparked outrage over his freedom despite three strikes.[3]
| Date | Event | Parole Response |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 29, 2020 | Carjacking, firearm brandished | No assistance provided |
| Dec 31, 2020 | Fatal hit-and-run | Post-incident investigation only |
New Claim Demands Long-Overdue Answers
Attorney Anh Phoong of Phoong Law Corporation filed the claim last week on behalf of Abe’s family, targeting CDCR and the named agents. It alleges negligence allowed foreseeable deaths.[2]
“This tragedy was not random,” Phoong stated. “Parole received repeated warnings that McAlister was committing violent crimes while out on parole. Parole agents had every tool to protect the public but chose not to act.”[4]
The filing follows a December 2025 Voice of San Francisco report uncovering documents, including a whistleblower email. It precedes a potential lawsuit, as families seek accountability after five years.[1]
Key Takeaways
- Multiple 2020 arrests ignored despite notifications to parole agent.
- COVID-era emails restricted supervision, overriding safety exceptions.
- Claim highlights tools like GPS that went unused before the crash.
This case underscores tensions in parole supervision during crises, raising questions about public safety priorities. Families like Abe’s continue fighting for change to prevent future losses. What do you think about the role of parole in protecting communities? Tell us in the comments.
