Berkeley, California is known for its food, diverse population, and beautiful weather year-round. Recently, however, residents say it’s changed for the worse. The most common crimes were non-violent, with a few vehicle break-ins here and there – but several have noticed a disturbing uptick in violence.
Early January 18, a man called 911 to report his vehicle was stolen. He followed it thanks to a GPS device and had them on the line to give them an exact location. While he was talking with the dispatcher, he was brutally attacked and stabbed.
“I saw two bodies. One man was screaming for help and the other one was inert and right in the middle of the street,” an unidentified neighbor told ABC reporters. “I see characters coming in here and driving around there and dumping cars. I’ve had to report a couple of cars to the city.”
When he was stabbed, the police department confirmed the car theft victim was on the ground and bleeding from the leg. Another man and a woman were stabbed without provocation, too.
Two victims survived, one did not
The woman who was stabbed was unresponsive when an ambulance arrived at the scene. The two men, including the car theft victim, are in critical condition but are expected to fully recover.
Police did not describe the suspect, but are actively investigating. Until then, the area is closed to traffic as police search for clues.
Authorities told the outlet the stabbing was an “isolated incident” and therefore, there is “no cause for concern.”
Viewers just aren’t buying it
“‘Isolated incident. No cause for concern,’ folks are getting stabbed in the street and the police say no need for concern,” wrote a viewer.
Another thought it was odd that police wouldn’t describe the stabber.
“Not a word about the criminals. Interesting,” wrote another.
Someone thought it was foolish to chase after a car thief on foot.
“It’s crazy to confront the thief who stole your car and not be armed… What are you going to do, ask for it back nicely?”
