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Berkeley Police Department (BPD) received a report of a disturbance with a woman yelling for help near the intersection of Russell Street and Otis Street.

BPD officers arrived within minutes after the call was received. They observed a male subject, matching the description provided by callers flee on foot. Officers pursued him into the block, where he was quickly detained in the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

Other officers located a female victim, in her 70s, suffering from severe injuries at the corner of Otis Street and Russell Street. Officers rendered first aid until Berkeley Fire Department personnel arrived on scene. BFD paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. 

Investigators are actively working this case, conducting interviews, following up on leads, and examining evidence. It is early on in the investigation, in the interest of maintaining the integrity of this investigation, BPD will not be releasing the victim’s identity or that of the subject detained. Any release of this information could possibly hinder the investigation. 

BPD is urging anyone with information regarding this case to please contact our Homicide Detail at (510)-981-5741 or the non-emergency line at (510) 981-5900. If a caller wishes to remain anonymous he/she can call the Bay Area Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).