Features

Good Samaritan, Fast Response 

Lead to Prompt Arrest in Rape 

Berkeley Police arrested a 42-year-old man Wednesday afternoon, moments after they say he raped an elderly woman in her residence in the 1700 block of California Street. 

Police spokesperson Officer Joe Okies said the woman allowed the rapist into her home after he knocked on her door shortly before 3 p.m. 

Another woman in the area heard the elderly victim calling for help and walked into the home just in time to see the rapist fleeing out of the rear of her house. 

The good Samaritan followed the suspect from a distance and pointed him out to officers when they arrived, said Okies. He was taken into custody near the North Berkeley BART Station. 

Officer Tim Kaplan of the OPD Sex Crimes Detail praised the witness for tailing the suspect and praised the patrol officers for making a safe arrest within moments after the rape took place. 

The suspect, Rene Moss, was booked on charges of burglary, rape and elder abuse.f