Alleged Berkeley Hills robber headed to court

A felon authorities say is responsible for the armed robbery of a 77-year-old woman in her North Berkeley Hills home in March is headed to court next week to face two felony charges.

According to the Alameda County district attorney’s office, Johnathan Troy Lee robbed the woman March 24. The 22-year-old is facing first-degree residential robbery and burglary charges.

According to the Berkeley Police Department, Lee and another male entered the woman’s house, in the 1100 block of Park Hills Road shortly after 2 p.m. They were able to get inside through the home’s front door, which was unlocked.

One of the robbers prowled through the bedroom while the other one pointed a gun at the 77-year-old woman. But, during the burglary, the woman managed to escape and was able to run out the door.

Police recovered fingerprint evidence from the crime scene, which they linked to Lee. According to police, Lee turned himself in May 13 after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Lee faces stricter penalties because authorities say a gun was used in the robbery of an occupied dwelling, and due to the age of the victim, according to court documents.

If convicted in the case, he faces a prison sentence.

According to the district attorney’s office, Lee was convicted of felony vehicle theft in 2013 in Santa Clara County. He received a sentence of probation.

Lee is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing June 25 at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in downtown Oakland. He is being held at Santa Rita Jail with a bail of $255,000.

No one else appears to have been charged in the case.

Read more about robberies in Berkeley in past Berkeleyside coverage.

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Emilie Raguso