Berkeley police search for suspect in Claremont stabbing

Two people were taken to the hospital with stab wounds Friday night as Berkeley police searched for the suspect linked to the attack, authorities report.

The suspect, identified as a man in his early 20s who has ties to the residence where the incident happened, remains outstanding as of publication time.

As of 7:30 p.m., Berkeley police said they were advising residents to shelter in place because the suspect may still be in the area.

"Lock all windows and doors and promptly report suspicious activity," BPD said in a subsequent Nixle alert. "If located, do not approach the subject, get to a safe location and call 911."

Police got a call at about 6:30 p.m. Friday about a possible burglary at a home on El Camino Real near The Uplands in Berkeley's Claremont neighborhood.

As officers were responding, reports came out about a stabbing inside the home.

Community members told The Scanner they saw "tons of units flying up Ashby."

In a Nixle alert shortly after 8 p.m., Berkeley police identified the suspect as 23-year-old Byron DeCles. He is 5 feet 8 to 5 feet 9 inches tall with blonde hair, police said.

BPD said DeCles "may be armed with a cutting instrument."

He was last seen wearing a brown or red hoodie, black pants and a black hat, and carrying a large black backpack.

Two people were ultimately taken to Highland Hospital, including a man who reportedly was stabbed in the back and head area and a woman who appeared to have sustained less serious wounds.

The suspect was last seen fleeing the area on foot, according to preliminary reports. He is related to the victims and reportedly has had mental health struggles, police said.

BPD was still looking for DeCles as of about 9:40 p.m. when the agency lifted its shelter-in-place advisory, according to a Nixle alert.

This story was updated throughout the night due to the developing nature of events. Additional updates may be forthcoming.