A Berkeley police officer who was run over by a car driven by a fleeing suspect was taken to the hospital Tuesday but suffered no major injuries.
Berkeley police responded to a 4:38 pm call that someone had stolen a wallet from the Ecole Bilingue French School in the 1000 block of Heinz Avenue. A witness told police what the suspect looked like and, since thieves often use credit cards at ATMs and gas stations shortly after stealing them, officers began checking nearby convenience stores, according to Sgt. Mary Kusmiss of the Berkeley Police.
An officer spotted the suspect pumping gas into his white Volvo at the Econo Gas Station at Eighth Street and University Avenue. When the officer approached and stuck his upper torso into the window of the car, the suspect drove the car forward and then put it into reverse, knocking down the officer, according to Sgt. Kusmiss. The suspect then drove away, prompting a car chase through West Berkeley. He eventually abandoned the car – which the Oakland Tribune said still had the gas nozzle sticking out of the gas tank — and fled on foot, said Kusmiss. Berkeley police were able to detain him.
Berkeley paramedics took the officer to the hospital where he is being treated, said Sgt. Kusmiss. His injuries were not significant. His name was not released. Charges will be filed against the 32-year old suspect, who is from Oakland, she said.
Update, 17.12: The Berkeley Police have arrested Deandre Soanne Irvin of Oakland in relation to this incident. He was arrested after a pursuit and some resistance in the parking lot of Bayer Corp in West Berkeley. Irvin, who was in possession of heroin and marijuana at the time of this arrest, is being held without bail.
