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BART Police arrest serial robber targeting North Berkeley Station parking lots

This morning, BART Police arrested a juvenile near the North Berkeley Station connected to a series of gunpoint robberies targeting BART passengers in the parking lots of that station.  The three robberies had occurred over the course of an eight day period.  Each incident took place at about the same time and location, with victims reporting a similar description of the suspect.  Yesterday, BART Police reached out to the Berkeley Police Department to work collaboratively to find the suspect.  Patrols were stepped up in the area and at 6:12 a.m. today, the suspect was arrested by BART Police in the outer perimeters of the station near the intersection of Franklin and Francisco streets.  A gun was recovered, and the suspect was taken to Alameda County Juvenile Hall. No further details relating to the suspect are available to be released.
 
It all started last Wednesday, June 18, 2014, when two separate gunpoint robberies took place, one at 6:45 a.m. in the West parking lot of the North Berkeley Station and then another at 6:50 a.m. in the North-West parking lot.  Then, one week later, on Wednesday June 25, at 5:47 a.m. another gunpoint robbery occurred in the West parking lot.  In all three cases the suspect demanded cash and then fled on foot.  No one was injured.  
This morning, a BART Police Detective spotted someone matching the description of the suspect.  He called dispatch and a patrol unit responded and apprehended the suspect.

“This case showed great detective work and collaboration within the Department, resulting in the arrest of someone who was repeatedly targeting our passengers,” said BART Police Chief Kenton Rainey.  “Berkeley Police also assisted in our efforts to locate the suspect.”

This serves as a reminder to our passengers to always remain alert and aware of their surroundings in our parking lots, even in the early morning hours.

Parking Lot Safety Tips

  • Always remain alert and avoid distractions.
  • Don’t check your phone while walking or have on headphones or ear buds.
  • Program the BART Police phone number into your phone 510-464-7000.
  • If you see something suspicious, call BART Police.
  • Have your keys out and ready to go when returning to your car.
  • Always call BART Police if you are a victim of a crime on BART property.  The information you provide can help keep our system.