Berkeley crime roundup: Carjacking, catalytic converter theft, arson
Readers asked Berkeleyside about several crimes over the past week: a carjacking and a catalytic converter theft Monday as well as three arson reports on New Year’s Day.
Arson
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Woman arrested on suspicion of setting fire to tarp atop parked RV
Police arrested a 35-year-old woman early Monday morning after she reportedly set a neighbor’s tent on fire on Second Street in northwest Berkeley.
Police: Man charged with setting people on fire at Berkeley boba shop
Video of the teahouse attack has gone viral on Twitter, and has been viewed more than 160,000 times.
Recent stories
Berkeley crime roundup: 8 armed robberies, 3 arsons, 3 shootings, more
After a mostly quiet year, violent felony investigations ticked up in Berkeley in August, resulting in a number of arrests and charges.
Woman arrested in connection with trash can fire outside synagogue
This is the second trash can arson fire on the same block in 12 days. Rabbi Chai Levy, who heads the congregation, does not believe it was a hate crime.
Suspected arson at Black church in Berkeley prompts fear and anger
The fire was an act of terror, said Pastor Michael McBride, who leads the 48-year-old Way Christian Church. He questioned the “timid” response to the incident from Berkeley’s leaders.
Woman arrested in Berkeley grass fire arson case at Aquatic Park
A grass fire at Aquatic Park on Tuesday led to the arrest of a homeless woman in the area on suspicion of felony arson, police report.Â
BPD: Man charged with Oakland federal building arson admits to 2 Berkeley fires
A 38-year-old man has been charged with arson after authorities say he set two fires in Berkeley and one in Oakland.
Man burns rainbow flag, punches volunteer at Pacific Center in Berkeley
Community support has poured in over the past few days at a Berkeley LGBTQ center where a man burned a rainbow flag and punched a volunteer Friday, according to police.
Concord man charged with starting Grizzly Peak fire after ‘road-rage’ incident
Alfredo Bautista, 24, allegedly admitted to police that he started eight fires in the area.
Grizzly Peak fire reduced to ‘patrol status’; being investigated as possible arson
Fire investigators now believe the fire that coursed through 20 acres in the Berkeley and Oakland hills may have been arson.
Man charged with attempted murder after setting sleeping woman’s tent on fire
A 43-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after police say he tried to set his former girlfriend’s tent on fire as she slept, then violently attacked her last week.
