Crime & Safety

An Assault in Ohlone Park and More from BPD

The crime narratives from Jan. 6—12 also include a possible arson that destroyed two portable toilets.

The following narratives are selected and written by the Berkeley Police Department. 

January 6

Auto Burglary, 2300 Block of 4th Street: On Sunday, Jan. 6 between noon and 12:30 p.m. an auto burglary occurred in the 2300 block of 4th Street. The victim parked and locked his vehicle on the street.  When he returned he discovered and unknown suspect broke a window and took the victim’s camera bag and laptop.

January 7

Suspicious Circumstances, Possible Arson, 2300 Block of Bancroft Way: On Jan. 7 at approximately 9:15 p.m., the Berkeley Fire and Police Departments responded to a reported fire in the 2300 block of Bancroft Way. It appears that an unknown suspect may have set fire to the fabric on a chain link fence, which spread to two porta potty units. Both BPD and BFD are investigating the incident.

January 8

Felony Assault, Ohlone Park: On Tuesday, Jan. 8 at approximately 6:45 p.m., a felony assault occurred in Ohlone Park. The victim and the suspect got into an altercation after an incident during a basketball game. The suspect picked up a rock, while holding the rock the suspect punched the victim in the face.  The suspect was located at the scene and arrested. The victim suffered non-life threatening injuries and declined medical attention at the scene.

January 9

Attempted Residential Burglary, 1800 Block of Thousand Oaks Blvd: On Wednesday, Jan. 9 at 8 a.m., the victim reported an attempted residential burglary at her home in the 1800 block of Thousand Oaks Blvd.  The unknown suspect attempted to gain entry through the rear door of the home. The suspect was unable to gain entry to the home, nothing was taken.

January 10

Robbery, King Street/Tyler Street: On Thursday, Jan. 10 at approximately 8:50 p.m. a robbery occurred near the intersection of King Street and Tyler Street. The male victim was walking in the area when he was approached by the unknown suspect. The suspect pointed a gun at the victim demanding his cell phone.  Fearing for his safety the victim gave the suspect his phone. The suspect then fled the area.

The suspect is described as:

Suspect – “Black Male Adult, mid 20s, 5’10”, thin build wearing a blue or black hooded sweatshirt, dark pants, riding a BMX style bicycle.”

January 11

Commercial Burglary, 2000 Block of 6th Street: On Friday, Jan. 11 at approximately 1:22 a.m., an unknown suspect broke into a school located in the 2000 block of 6th Street. The unknown suspected forced open the rear door to the school and prowled the offices. It appears that the suspect did not steal anything.

January 12

Auto Theft Attempt, 2400 Block of Telegraph Avenue: On Saturday, Jan. 12 at approximately 6:13 p.m., a suspect attempted to steal a police vehicle in the 2400 block of Telegraph Avenue. A BPD officer had responded to assist the bicycle officers who were making an arrest. While assisting them an alert citizen notified the officer that a suspect was attempting to steal his vehicle. The suspect was in the front seat of the vehicle, attempting to drive it away. The officers were able to remove the suspect from the vehicle and take him into custody. The suspect was arrested for attempted auto theft and resisting arrest. Apparently, the suspect wanted to drive the vehicle to a family member’s house.


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