Extra

Flash: Two Workers at Berkeley's Ashkenaz Shot in Midnight Robbery

Laura Dixon (BCN)
Saturday March 16, 2013 - 10:19:00 AM

Suspects shot and wounded two employees at a long-standing Berkeley music venue during an armed robbery early this morning, a police spokeswoman said.

The shooting and armed robbery occurred minutes after midnight at the Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center at 1317 San Pablo Ave., Officer Jennifer Coats said.

Two armed suspects entered the crowded center and demanded cash from employees. The suspects shot and wounded two of the employees before fleeing the business, Coats said. 

The wounded employees were taken to a local hospital to be treated for serious injuries. 

Officers arrived on the scene within moments and attempted to stop one of the suspects who was fleeing from the area. 

The suspect ran into a yard and officers surrounded the block. 

Police conducted a yard-to-yard search of the area with the aid of an Alameda County Sheriff's K-9 deputy and were found the suspect hiding behind a building in the 1300 block of San Pablo Avenue. 

During the search, area residents were notified of the incident and asked to stay inside their homes. 

Police have not released the name of the suspect who was arrested. The second suspect remains at large. 

Detectives are investigating the incident and attempting to locate the outstanding suspect. 

Police are urging anyone with any information about this morning's robbery and shooting to call the Berkeley Police Department at (510) 981-5742 or (510) 981-5900. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Bay Area Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. 

Police stressed that any information could be critical to solving this case. 

The Ashkenaz Music and Dance Center is an international music and dance venue and teaching center "committed to providing a great place to dance that supports local and international bands of both established and emerging artists in a respectful, comfortable, safe, and family atmosphere," according to its website. 

In 1996 Ashkenaz founder David Nadel was murdered by a drunk he refused to let back into the building. 

The non-profit celebrated its 40th anniversary on Thursday.