Full Notification

On June 28th, an incident occurred on Bonar St. near University Ave. A 68-year-old male was sitting on a bench when a suspect approached him. An unprovoked attack ensued, and the suspect then doused the victim in gasoline and lit him on fire. Multiple community members were in the area and witnessed this incident. The suspect fled the scene; a brave community member used water to extinguish the fire, and another community member pulled over to render aid, likely saving the victim's life. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital with extensive burn injuries.

BPD Patrol Officers responded to the scene, obtained video surveillance, and located physical evidence left behind by the suspect. BPD Detectives utilized the surveillance footage and worked with multiple witnesses to identify the suspect (a 24-year-old Berkeley male). BPD Homicide Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect.

On July 5th, BART Police Department contacted the suspect for an unrelated incident and arrested him on the Berkeley warrant. The department wants to acknowledge and thank the BART Police Department for locating and arresting the suspect in our attempted murder case.

On July 6th, the Alameda County District Attorney's Office charged the suspect with Attempted Murder (PC 187/664), Elder Abuse (PC 368), and Mayhem (PC 203).

This was a life-altering crime for the victim, and we know horrific crimes such as this also substantially impact witnesses and the wider community. We give heartfelt thanks to the brave community members that rushed to the scene and rendered aid until medical personnel arrived to assist in treating this victim. 

2023-00031076