Berkeley, CA – A man is in custody after a tense pursuit involving a stolen vehicle, which escalated when the driver threw a live grenade out of the vehicle. The incident, which occurred on Friday afternoon, led to evacuations in the area and the swift response of bomb disposal experts.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), officers from the Golden Gate Division’s Crime Suppression Team spotted the stolen vehicle on Oakland city streets just after 3:30 p.m. Friday. When CHP officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled, leading officers on a slow-speed pursuit toward Berkeley. During the chase, the suspect threw a bag from the vehicle, prompting one nearby CHP officer to investigate. The officer discovered that the bag contained a live grenade, which was confirmed to be capable of detonation.
Berkeley Police were notified immediately, and an evacuation of the surrounding area was initiated. The UC Berkeley Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team arrived shortly after, securing the grenade safely by 5 p.m.
The suspect, continuing to flee, abandoned the vehicle when he reached a dead-end street and attempted to escape on foot. CHP officers quickly apprehended him, with assistance from the University of California Police Department (UCPD) and the FBI Crisis Response Squad.
Further investigation revealed that the man was illegally residing in a multi-unit building in Berkeley. A search warrant was executed, leading to the discovery of additional residents in the building, and the area was cleared of any further explosive devices by 10:30 p.m.
The suspect has been booked into County Jail on several felony charges, including possession of a destructive device, possession of a stolen vehicle, evading police, and resisting arrest.
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