Berkeley police shoot person during possible domestic violence investigation
Berkeley Police shoot domestic violence suspect
A Berkeley police officer shot a person Sunday morning while they were responding to a possible domestic violence incident.
BERKELEY, Calif. - If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available at (800) 799-7233. Or text BEGIN to 88788.
A Berkeley police officer shot a person Sunday morning while they were responding to a possible domestic violence incident, authorities said.
The backstory:
Officers were in the 1700 block of University Avenue around 6:50 a.m. responding to reports of a woman screaming for help. There, officers arrived at an apartment alongside Berkeley Fire Department paramedics.
Authorities came across a suspect who was threatening to shoot officers. The suspect left the apartment with a gun, police said. Officers secured the area and began to negotiate with the suspect.
During this time, the suspect left the residence again armed with a gun and an officer-involved shooting occurred afterward, police said.
Brian Huang says Sunday morning was like any other weekend morning until he was awakened by the sounds of gunfire near his apartment.
"It was a little odd, but I woke up. I went outside and people were just walking around like nothing had happened. So, I don’t know," said Huang.
Officials said a person was taken to a hospital in critical condition. The officer involved in the shooting is now on paid administrative leave.
OIS reported in Berkeley. One person was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
What we don't know:
No other information about the suspect or victim was shared.
There is an ongoing investigation by Berkeley Police, Internal Affairs and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
Dig deeper:
Later on Sunday, around 1 p.m., a suspicious package was found in the same area. Officers confirmed to KTVU that the package is tied to the officer-involved shooting.
The eastbound and westbound lanes of University Avenue were closed, and officials asked drivers to use alternate routes before roads opened around 3:50 p.m.
"People are very stressed out. We’re dealing with a lot in our country and in our communities and it's more important than ever for us to try and do everything we can to stay grounded, be openhearted and be mature during these times," said Daisy Crane, of Berkeley, who lives nearby.