A Berkeley firefighter was shot at by an 88-year-old man early this morning after responding to a medical call, according to authorities.
The bullet struck a piece of equipment known as a Swissphone being worn on the firefighter’s belt, according to Interim Deputy Fire Chief Avery Webb, which prevented the male firefighter being injured. The firefighter, whose name was not released, did not require hospitalization.
Five firefighters — an engine and an ambulance — went to the 1200 block of Dwight Way after a medical alert device was activated at 1:41 a.m. said Webb.
“When they got to the residence it was locked,” said Webb. “Following procedure, we called for police response.”
While making efforts to gain entry into the residence and make contact with the 88-year-old patient, a shot was fired from a handgun and the bullet struck the phone, which is a type of pager. Webb said he believed only one shot was fired.
The fire crew ran from the home. When they arrived on scene, the Berkeley Police established a perimeter around the home, according to Berkeley police spokeswoman officer Jennifer Coats. They rapidly established contact with the suspect and took the man into custody. He was taken to a hospital for an emergency psychiatric evaluation.
The case is under investigation.
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