Features

Shoplifter’s blade 

A security guard at Walgreens in the 2100 block of Shattuck Avenue recovered more than shoplifted goods after he apprehended a 19-year-old man attempting to leave the store at noon Monday. 

Possession of a concealed switchblade added a potential felony charge to the boosting bust, and a subsequent records check after police assumed custody revealed the fellow was in violation of his probation from an earlier conviction. 

Groping bandit 

A would-be bandit grabbed the breast of a woman customer during an attempted robbery at the Andronico’s in the 1500 block of Shattuck Avenue shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday. 

The man is described as a white male between 30 and 40 years of age with light brown/dark blond dreadlocks and long facial hair who stands about 5’6” or 5’7”. He was wearing sandals at the time of the foiled robbery, said Berkeley Police spokesperson Officer Joe Okies. 

Pistol and pot 

The Berkeley Police officer who stopped a 15-year-old pedestrian for a street-crossing infraction near the corner of Sacramento and Prince streets late Monday evening spotted a suspicious bulge under the youth’s sweatshirt. 

After the young person admitted he was in possession of marijuana, a quick frisk turned up something more serious—a loaded .38 caliber revolver stuck in his waistband, said Officer Okies. 

Because the piece was listed as stolen, he was charged with receiving stolen property and concealing a weapon as well as a marijuana charge, among others. 

Assailants busted 

Police arrested two men, ages 31 and 25, on charges of assault with serious bodily injury late Monday following an attack in the 1800 block of Dwight Way that ended with the 18-year-old victim in the hospital suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. 

Burglary bust 

Awakened by odd sounds shortly before 6:30 Tuesday morning, a resident of the 800 block of San Diego Road looked out his window to discover a pair of fellows in the process of breaking into his car. 

A quick call to police and a prompt response by officers ended with both men, ages 29 and 30, in custody. “It was a good stop by our night crew,” said Officer Okies. 

The not-so-dynamic duo was captured in possession of property believed stolen in five separate burglaries, resulting in a charge of receiving stolen property. Possession of burglary tools added another. 

Police so far have linked the property to the original burglary on San Diego Road and a second in the 100 block of Tamalpais Road. More charges may been added as the remaining items are linked to other crimes. 

Cyclist robbed 

Police are seeking three bandits, at least one of whom claimed to be packing heat, who robbed a bicyclist of his wheels and his wallet outside the Jack in the Box fast food eatery in the 2100 block of San Pablo Avenue about 9 p.m. Monday. 

The victim didn’t call police until the following morning. 

Batteries charged 

Police booked a 28-year-old man on two battery charges, one of them serious, after an incident in the 2600 block of Parker Street shortly before 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. 

Officer Okies said an off-duty officer from another law enforcement agency had intervened to stop an attack on a 22-year-old when the 28-year-old with the fists turned on him, earning in the process a count of battery on a peace officer in addition to one count for the original battery. 

BART busts 

BART police spotted two furtive fellows in the 1300 block of Cedar Street just after 6 p.m. Tuesday, and their suspicions increased when the pair spotted them and took flight. 

When the officers caught up with them, they discovered a recently stolen purse and some marijuana. 

The pair, an 18-year-old and a juvenile, were booked on suspicion of theft and receiving stolen property. One of the duo also earned a probation violation, plus a pot charge. 

Officer Okies said the purse was returned to its rightful owner. 

French Hotel heist 

A lone pistolero stormed into the French Hotel shortly before midnight Tuesday and demanded cash. The clerk complied. 

Subway robbery 

A gunman walked into the Subway sandwich shop in the 1600 block of Solano Avenue at 8:50 p.m. Wednesday and demanded cash, which he received.