Man hospitalized after self-injury at Berkeley cafe

A local man remains hospitalized this week after using a pair of scissors to cut his own throat in a West Berkeley cafe, authorities say.

Community members who were aware of the incident and concerned about the man's wellbeing asked The Scanner to find out more.

The incident happened Wednesday in the 2700 block of Seventh Street (near Carleton Street) during the lunch hour, Berkeley police said.

That's when a 45-year-old homeless man pushed his way into the cafe's kitchen by shoving staff aside, according to BPD.

(The staff member was not injured, according to radio traffic reviewed by The Scanner.)

The man grabbed a pair of scissors, walked into the dining area and began to cut himself, police said.

A witness said the man's wound, which appeared serious, was several inches across.

Neighborhood surveillance footage captured the man collapsing and convulsing on the sidewalk after leaving the cafe.

The Berkeley Fire Department arrived minutes later and rushed him "Code 3" to Highland Hospital, where he was placed on a psychiatric hold.

As of Thursday, he was in stable condition, police said.

He was later transferred to John George Psychiatric Hospital for observation and treatment, authorities said.