BERKELEY — Two suspects are in custody following an investigation into a series of violent home-invasion robberies and burglaries that primarily targeted women in Berkeley, police said.
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The incidents, which happened between Sept. 17 and Oct. 1, caused “significant concern throughout the community,” according to the Berkeley Police Department.
The primary suspect — identified only as a convicted felon — confronted the victims in their bedrooms or living spaces, demanded personal belongings and escaped in stolen vehicles, police said, adding that in one incident, he threatened to shoot a resident.
“These crimes were not random, but part of an escalating pattern that detectives quickly recognized and linked together,” police said.
No physical injuries were reported.
Detectives identified and searched a number of residences associated with the two suspects. Property stolen during at least two of the incidents was recovered, police said.
The investigation also revealed the convicted felon was receiving help from his girlfriend, who was seen following one of the stolen vehicles during the timeframe of one of the incidents, police said.
On Thursday, detectives learned the suspects were in the Hayward area. Around 3:30 p.m., officers found the primary suspect’s vehicle, but when they went to stop him, he rammed several vehicles and drove at an officer, who had to jump out of the way.
He then tried to flee on foot, police said, adding that he was detained after a brief struggle.
Both suspects are now in custody and facing multiple felony charges, including home-invasion robbery, residential burglary, assault with a deadly weapon and attempted carjacking, police said.