Culprits fire gun during Berkeley Hills catalytic converter theft
Berkeley police say they are also looking into whether a catalytic converter theft nearby on Spruce Street may be related.
The typically quiet Berkeley Hills neighborhood was interrupted by gunfire Thursday morning when a local resident discovered people trying to steal his neighbor's catalytic converter, police report.
On Thursday at about 6:15 a.m., Berkeley police said, a resident in the 2300 block of Oak Street (near Glen Avenue), heard the sound of sawing outside his house.
When he went outside to investigate, he saw at least two people trying to steal his neighbor's catalytic converter.
He kept a safe distance but made his presence known, BPD said.
Then he heard two gunshots nearby in the darkness.
He wasn't hurt, however, and the thieves drove off in a dark-colored SUV, southbound on Glen, without the catalytic converter.
Police say they have leads in the case and the investigation continues.
They are also looking into whether a catalytic converter theft Thursday morning nearby on Spruce Street may be connected to the same people.
Catalytic converter theft reports have become routine in Berkeley.
And related violence is becoming more common during those incidents.
In late July, thieves on Fourth Street fired a gun at people who caught them in the act.
Just this week, on Tuesday, a man was shot and killed in Oakland during a catalytic converter theft there, according to reports on SFGate and other Bay Area news outlets.
Berkeley City Councilwoman Susan Wengraf urged residents to be cautious if they see crime underway.
"The increased gun violence associated with catalytic converter thefts is very alarming. Please, if you witness a catalytic converter theft in progress, call 911 and find a safe location. Do not confront the thieves," she told The Berkeley Scanner shortly after publication. "No life is worth risking over a catalytic converter. Our police department needs your support to keep Berkeley safe. If any neighbors have video cameras, please notify our police department to help them locate the suspects."
Berkeley has had more than 40 confirmed shootings in 2022.
A Berkeley Scanner gunfire map is forthcoming.
Update, 10:20 a.m. BPD shared a prepared statement with The Berkeley Scanner shortly after publication. It included the following information:
This incident is a definite reminder that the people who commit crimes like these may be armed and willing to commit violence. If you witness an in-progress crime, do not hesitate to dial 911 and remain in the safest place available.
The suspects in this case were last seen wearing hooded tops and driving a dark colored SUV. If you have any information about this case or security video footage that captured the suspects, please contact BPD Property Crimes Unit at 510-981-5737.
