Berkeley police catch suspect after report of attempted rape
The victim pepper-sprayed the suspect and was able to get away to call police, BPD said.
A suspect is in custody and police are investigating the report of an attempted rape in South Berkeley on Thursday morning, authorities report.
Berkeley police got a call shortly before 10 a.m. about a man who had tried to sexually assault a woman inside his home in the 1400 block of Fairview Street in South Berkeley, BPD said in response to a Scanner inquiry.
The victim pepper-sprayed the suspect and was able to get away to call police, BPD said.
Officers arrived and made announcements on the block to contact the suspect, BPD said.
He ultimately came outside but tried to run from police, authorities said.
Officers were able to detain him after a two-block foot chase, according to the Berkeley Police Department.
Read more about sex crimes in Berkeley.
The victim was taken to a local hospital and the police investigation is ongoing.
The suspect was known to the victim, according to emergency dispatches.
Alberto Gonzalez-Alvez. BPD
The Scanner will update this story when more information is available.
Update, 8 p.m. The man was identified in booking records as Alberto Gonzalez-Alvez, 31, of Berkeley.
He was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, assault with intent to commit rape, false imprisonment with violence and assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, according to booking records.
He is being held at Berkeley Jail on $240,000 and is scheduled for arraignment Monday.
This story was updated after publication due to the developing nature of events.
