Features

Laser Tagging Leads to Arrest 

A 13-year-old King Middle School student got more than he bargained for Monday afternoon when he started “dotting” passing drivers with a laser point. 

Berkeley Police arriving at the school nabbed the teenager and busted him on a misdemeanor charge under section 417.27 of the California Penal Code, which bans flashing the pesky devices into the eyes of anyone, particularly at motorists. 

Berkeley Police spokesperson Officer Kevin Schofield added that California law also forbids sales of laser pointers to minors. 

Pistol-Packer Robs Motorist 

A Berkeley woman who was getting out of her car near the intersection of Josephine and Cedar streets at seven minutes before midnight Monday found herself confronting a gunman who demanded her cash. 

Wisely, she complied, and the bandit fled on foot. No suspects have been apprehended, say Berkeley police. 

Shouts and Punches Lead to Jail  

Berkeley police were summoned to the 1300 block of Carleton Street shortly before 4 a.m. Thursday by residents complaining about a man screaming threats on the street. 

When officers responded, the screamer challenged them to a fight, and when they moved in for the arrest, the man started throwing punches until the lawmen presented him with a new pair of bracelets. 

Police spokesperson Kevin Schofield said Terrence Ford, 38, of Berkeley, was booked into city jail on charges of assaulting and officer and resisting arrest. 

Juveniles Punch, Rob Septuagenarian 

Berkeley police said a group of juveniles punched a 74-year-old Berkeley man in Strawberry Creek Park shortly before 8:30 a.m. Monday, making off with his backpack. The victim didn’t require medical attention, according to police spokesperson Schofield. 

Gunmen Rip Off Dry Cleaner 

Two young men who may not have been old enough to drink walked into a dry cleaning establishment in the 2500 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard shortly before noon Wednesday and demanded cash. The clerk complied and the robbers fled with their loot. 

Cyclist Loses Wheels to Teens 

A band of teenagers ran up to a cyclist pedaling along at 62nd and King Streets shortly after 9 p.m. Wednesday, knocked him to the ground and made off with his bike, Berkeley police said. 

The 33-year-old cyclist didn’t require medical attention.