Features

Rape suspect busted 

Israel Bustamonte, 25, of Oakland, was arrested Monday for a May 22 rape in Aquatic Park, said Berkeley Police spokesperson Officer Joe Okies. 

The 17-year-old victim was assaulted and raped about 6 p.m. as she was walking along the north side of the park. With her help, police were able to produce a sketch of the assailant, which played a key role in role in the case when a patrol officer spotted the suspect several days later and remembered another case in which he had been involved.  

Sex Crimes Detail Detective Keith Deblasi said the sketch, extensive interviews and DNA evidence were critical to the case officers assembled. 

Bustamonte was arrested while already in custody at Santa Clara County Jail, where he was being held in connection with an unrelated case, said Okies. 

Cyclist botches heist 

A man in his early 20s pulled a pistol on a 23-year-old fellow walking along the 2200 block of Ellsworth Street about 4:30 a.m. Monday and demanded valuables. 

When the victim showed his disinclination to comply, the bandit departed on his street bike. 

Teenage bandit foiled 

A teenage bandit armed with a small knife was rebuffed by two would-be robbery victims, causing him to run away on both occasions. 

The first incident just before 5 p.m. Monday when a teenager described as about 14 approached a 22-year-old man walking along Ashby Avenue near the Adeline Street intersection, said Officer Okies. 

When the victim refused to comply, the young robber boogied. 

Then, at 7:30, a fellow of similar description approached a 37-year-old woman near the corner of Adeline and Russell streets, he pulled his knife. 

The small-knife fugitive remains at large. 

Profitable bust 

When Berkeley police arrived in the 18900 block of Seventh Street to arrest a 23-year-old man on an outstanding warrant Monday evening, they discovered he was in possession of methamphetamine, stolen property, and a concealed and loaded pistol—adding four new charges to the one on which he was sought, said Officer Okies.3