This is a partial list of recent crimes in Berkeley based on information from the Berkeley Police Department and the UC Berkeley Police Department. The calls for service spreadsheet is available on Google Docs. (Please note that these are Calls For Police Services only and are subject to review and reclassification by supervisors, detectives and the DA as appropriate.) See also the San Francisco Chronicle’s regularly published list of arrests in Berkeley. For other sources of information on crime in Berkeley see BPD’s CrimeView Community and Crimemapping.com.
August 4
Arson, People’s Park men’s restroom #12-03687
On Saturday, August 4th, 2012, at 7:18 a.m., UCPD received a report from a University employee that a soap dispenser in the men’s restroom of People’s Park had been set on fire. The time frame for the arson is unknown. There is no suspect description at this time.
August 5
Loud Party, 2300 Block of Ellsworth Street
On Sunday, August 5, 2012 at 11:30 p.m., BPD Officers were dispatched to a report of a loud party in the 2300 block of Ellsworth Street. An officer arrived on scene and located the party. The officer was able to locate the resident, who shut down the party.
Auto Burglary, 900 Block of Regal Road
On Sunday, August 5, 2012 between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., an auto burglary occurred in the 900 block of Regal Road. The unknown suspect broke the window to the victim’s vehicle. The suspect stole electronic equipment from the vehicle.
August 6
Traffic Hazard, 1300 Block of Gilman Street
On Monday, August 6, 2012 at 7:02 a.m. a traffic hazard was reported in the 1300 block of Gilman Street. An unknown person placed a newspaper rack filled with rocks in the middle of the roadway. A BPD officer was dispatched to the location and removed the hazard.
Commercial Burglary, 1500 Block of Shattuck Avenue
On Monday, August 5, 2012 between 1:25 a.m. and 1:40 a.m., a commercial burglary occurred in the 1500 block Shattuck Avenue. The unknown suspect broke into the business through the rear door and stole cash from the business. The suspect was seen leaving by an employee passing in the area. The suspect is described as: Suspect – “Unknown race male, 6’ tall, 180 lbs, medium build wearing a dark jacket.”
August 7
Loud Party, 2100 Block of Los Angeles
On Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at approximately 11:39 p.m. neighbors reported a loud party in the 2100 block of Los Angeles. There were reports of a large group talking loudly and breaking glass in the area. BPD officers responded to the area and were able to disperse the group. The officer checked the area for any damaged property, but did not find any. The officer did locate broken glass in the roadway and notified the City Public Works Department for clean up.
Residential Burglary, 1900 Block of Hearst Avenue
On Tuesday, August 7, 2012 between 6:20 a.m. and 4:40 p.m. a residential burglary occurred in the 1900 block of Hearst Avenue. The unknown suspect may have entered the property through an unlocked door. The suspect stole a camera and guitar.
Auto burglaries (suspect arrested) #12-03724
On Tuesday, August 7th, at 7:23 a.m., UCPD responded to a report of an auto burglary in progress near the entrance of the Recreational Sports Facility (RSF) garage. UCPD contacted a person of interest that was identified as a 48 year-old non-affiliate named Vada Buggs. Buggs is on parole and he possessed personal property from a previously reported auto burglary from the RSF garage that occurred on August 1st, 2012. UCPD arrested Buggs and is following-up on other crimes that Buggs might be associated with.
August 8
Auto Burglary, 1800 Block of Hopkins Street
On Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at approximately 9:00 a.m., an auto burglary occurred in the 1800 block of Hopkins Street. An unknown suspect broke the window to the victim’s vehicle. The suspect stole a DVD player and a backpack.
Gambling Activity, James Kinney Park
On Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at approximately 6:41 p.m., a resident reported a group possible involved in gambling activity near James Kinney Park. It was reported there was a group of men engaged in a dice game. When an officer responded to the area the group was gone.
August 9
Suspicious Vehicle, 1500 Block of Edith Street
On Thursday, August 9, 2012 at approximately 9:56 p.m., a resident reported a suspicious vehicle parked in the 1500 block o Edith Street. It was reported that the vehicle had been parked for two hours with the engine running. A BPD officer was dispatched to the location and determined the vehicle proved O.K.
Assault/hate crime, exterior Valley Life Sciences building, Cal campus #12-03774
On Thursday, August 9th, 2012, at 10:49 a.m., a hate-related assault occurred on the south exterior of the Valley Life Sciences Building (VLSB). The two nonaffiliated victims, a White 55 year old male and a White 55 year old female, were talking on a cellular phone when the suspect attempted to intimidate or frighten the two. The suspect threatened to beat them up and ended the confrontation with a derogatory religious epithet. No one was injured during this unprovoked confrontation. UCPD officers responded to the scene and were not able to locate the suspect. This matter continues to be investigated. The suspect is described as: A Hispanic or White male, approximately 20 years of age, light or olive complexion, 5’06” to 5’-08” tall, approximately 140-pounds, stocky build, black hair, brown eyes, wearing a black t-shirt with white writing, dark pants, black shoes, and carrying a red backpack with a silver stripe.
August 10
Person Down, Sacramento Street/Ashby Avenue
On Friday, August 10, 2012 at approximately 2:06 p.m. a passerby reported a female down in the area of Ashby Avenue and Sacramento Street. The subject was reported laying on her back and not moving. A BPD officer arrived on scene and checked the welfare of the woman. The incident proved O.K.
Commercial Burglary, 1700 Block of Alcatraz Avenue
On Friday, August 10, 2012 at 7:30 a.m., a commercial burglary was reported in the 1700 block of Alcatraz Avenue. The female owner reported that an unknown suspect burglarized the business during the night. The suspect appeared to have entered the business by opening a locked window. The suspect stole computer equipment from the business.
August 11
Reckless Driver, 1400 Block of 6th Street
On Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 11:59 a.m. several reporting parties reported that a male subject in his 20’s was driving dangerously in the 1400 block of 5th Street. The vehicle was described as a red minivan with a roof rack. The driver was speeding and squealing his tires. A BPD officer was dispatched to the location and conducted an area check with negative results.
Vandalism, 2900 Block of Mabel Street
On Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 12:51 a.m., an incident of vandalism occurred in the 2900 block of Mabel Street. A resident reported that an unknown suspect broke the window of their house. The suspect threw a piece of concrete through the window causing the damage.
August 12
Hate incident, People’s Park #12-03811
On Sunday, August 12th, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., a hate incident occurred in People’s Park. The nonaffiliated victim, a 53 year old Black female, was sitting on a bench and reading her bible. The suspect, a White male, walked up to her, said a racial comment, and threw her bible away from her. UCPD officers responded to the scene and were not able to locate the suspect. UCPD continues to investigate this incident. The suspect is described as: A White male, approximately 70 years old, 5’02” in height, thin build, white hair, white beard, wearing a blue/white horizontal striped shirt and jeans.
August 14
Armed robbery, Durant Avenue and Bowditch Street #12-43943
On Tuesday, August 14th, 2012 at 2:43 a.m., an armed robbery occurred at the intersection of Durant Avenue and Bowditch Street. The three male victims, unknown affiliation to UCB, were walking in the area. They were approached by three unknown suspects on foot. Two other suspects approached in a vehicle. One of the occupants of the vehicle got out and pointed a rifle at the victims. The three suspects on foot approached from behind and took the victim’s property, which included backpacks and cell phones. One of the three suspects that approached on foot was armed with a handgun. All of the suspects got into the vehicle and fled the area. The vehicle is described as a charcoal gray, late 90’s Japanese made sedan. No one was injured during the encounter. The suspects are described as: Suspect 1 – White Male, 18 years old, thin build, with blonde or brown hair, armed with a rifle. Suspect 2 – Black Male, 18-20 years old, 5’8″ tall, thin build, wearing a red sweatshirt, armed with a handgun. Suspect 3 – Black or Hispanic Male. Suspect 4 – Unknown Description. Suspect 5 – Unknown Description.
Community safety tip: Always lock your doors and windows. Never leave a house key “hidden” outside your front door.
Want to get breaking news quickly? Follow Berkeleyside on Twitter and download the free Berkeleyside iPhone app.
