Crime log: Stolen puppy found, naked burglary suspect nabbed, 'malicious' fire at UC Berkeley
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We've rounded up mostly exclusive details about a few notable cases in Berkeley. If you have questions about local police activity, send a news tip to The Scanner. Photos are always appreciated.
POLICE RECOVER PUPPY AFTER AUTO THEFT Berkeley police were able to stop a San Francisco car thief over the weekend who also made off with a puppy, authorities report.
The incident began Sunday afternoon in San Francisco when the car owner left his vehicle running, with the AC on, because the puppy was inside, police said.
The car thief saw his moment and took off in the stolen vehicle.
When he hopped on the freeway and headed over the bridge, the East Bay Regional Park District helicopter followed him. They alerted Berkeley police to ask for assistance at 3:45 p.m., BPD said.
Berkeley police officers stopped the driver on I-80 near Gilman Street. He pulled over without incident and was taken into custody, authorities said.
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The puppy, a pit bull lab mix named Ace, was unharmed. BPD returned him to his grateful owner.
San Francisco police took custody of the auto thief. No other information was immediately available about the case.
NAKED MAN TRYING DOOR HANDLES: ARRESTED A woman staying at a Berkeley Airbnb called police overnight Sunday when she heard someone trying her door handle.
Officers responded to the 2400 block of Curtis Street, near Channing Way, and found a naked 20-year-old UC Berkeley student outside.
He was initially arrested on suspicion of intoxication, but police later determined he had spent more than an hour trying door handles of homes in the neighborhood, BPD said.
He was arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary and committing lewd acts in public.
As of Monday, he was no longer in custody.
UC BERKELEY ARSON Authorities are investigating an arson fire on UC Berkeley's Clark Kerr Campus on Sunday.
The fire broke out shortly after 7 p.m. near Building 22 on the Clark Kerr Campus, which sits on Warring Street several blocks south of the main Cal campus.
The University of California Police Department and Berkeley firefighters found the fire still burning on the north side of the building, UCPD said in an alert via its Safety App.
"The fire was quickly extinguished and no structures were affected," authorities said. "The fire was determined to be malicious in nature. UCPD is actively investigating the crime."
UCPD asks anyone with details about Sunday's arson or "any recent similar incidents" to call the department at 510-642-6760.
BURGLARY SUSPECT ARRESTED Berkeley police arrested a burglary suspect on Monday morning in the 2400 block of Durant Avenue, between Dana Street and Telegraph Avenue.
Police were dispatched to the call at about 9:17 a.m. and arrived 2 minutes later.
Suspect Fredric Robinson, 40, was surprised at the quick response, telling BPD, "Man, that's not fair, you guys got here too fast!" authorities said.
Police found him in a private yard after the victim saw him inside her apartment, BPD said.
Robinson was placed on probation in Alameda County in June for an assault conviction, according to court records. He has prior felony convictions for carjacking and battery, among other crimes.
He's being held on $50,000 bail and is set for arraignment Wednesday, according to booking records.
