A man who set his shirt on fire after threatening people on a BART train with a knife was arrested in Berkeley late Monday afternoon, authorities report.
According to a brief notice released by the BART Police on Monday night, the man was riding a Fremont-bound train when he began to threaten people with the knife.
BART officers responded to the Ashby station, at 3100 Adeline St., to intercept the train and detain the man at about 4:40 p.m.
According to BART, the man got off the train at Ashby, then set his shirt on fire on the platform.
When he left the platform, a train operator was able to extinguish the flames. (BART PD clarified after publication that the man was not wearing the shirt when he set it on fire.)
Officers found the man and took him into custody at gunpoint, according to the BART Police.
The man was found to have two arrest warrants, totaling $15,000, in connection with possession of narcotics.
He was arrested on suspicion of brandishing a weapon, negligent burning, terrorist threats and the warrants. He was taken to Santa Rita Jail.
His name, age and city of residence were not immediately available, but Berkeleyside has requested them from the BART Police and will update this post if that information is provided.
Update, 2:39 a.m. The man’s name is Giovanni Lopez, also known as Giovani Francisco, according to Alameda County sheriff’s office records online. He is 27. Lopez is being held on a bail of $60,000 at Santa Rita Jail and is scheduled for arraignment Wednesday, July 13.
Have a question about a local public safety incident? Write to crime@berkeleyside.com. Photographs and videos are always appreciated.
Follow Berkeleyside on Twitter and Facebook. Email us at tips@berkeleyside.com. Get the latest Berkeley news in your inbox with Berkeleyside’s free Daily Briefing.
