Security video shows a man allegedly following a UC Berkeley student and her dog before climbing over a locked gate into her apartment complex in Berkeley, California. The incident occurred on Sept. 15, and police later identified the man after a second call the following night. Officers did not arrest him because the alleged trespassing was a misdemeanor that they did not witness. The case was submitted to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office for review.
The student, identified only as Eden for safety reasons, said the man approached her while she was walking her dog and then ran toward her. Police said an object initially reported as a knife was likely a barbecue lighter, and investigators found no evidence of direct contact between the man and the student.
| 1) | Security video captures the alleged pursuit |
|---|---|
| 2) | Student reaches a locked apartment complex |
| 3) | Police respond to the initial emergency call |
| 4) | Officers identify the man but make no arrest |
| 5) | Prosecutors review whether charges should be filed |
Security video captures the alleged pursuit
The surveillance footage shows the man outside an apartment building in Berkeley on the evening of Sept. 15. According to police, the student was returning to the secured complex with her dog when the man allegedly followed her and later ran in her direction. The footage shows him climbing over the locked gate shortly after the student entered.
The object he carried was initially reported as a knife. After reviewing the circumstances, police said it was likely a barbecue lighter. Authorities also said there was no direct contact between the man and the student, although the department treated the reported pursuit and entry into the complex as an alleged trespassing incident.
Student reaches a locked apartment complex
The student told local television reporters that the encounter began while she was walking her dog on Berkeley Way. She said the man made unusual gestures, approached her and then began running toward her. She reached her apartment complex and closed the gate behind her before heading toward an elevator.
I shut the gate behind me, heard him and saw him climbing the gate.
The student said she entered the building before the man could see exactly where she went. She was identified only as Eden because of safety concerns. Her account, together with the security footage, formed part of the information later reviewed by investigators.
Police respond to the initial emergency call
The Berkeley Police Department said it received the student’s call at approximately 8:04 p.m. Officers were handling other high-priority emergencies at the time, including a domestic violence case and a report concerning a missing person considered at risk.
The student told reporters that officers arrived about an hour after her call, but they were unable to locate the man. The delayed response became part of the circumstances surrounding the case, while police continued to assess what offense could be established from the available evidence.
Officers identify the man but make no arrest
At approximately 9:24 p.m. on Sept. 16, police received a report that the same man was lying on a sidewalk near Berkeley Way and Walnut Street. Officers responded, detained him and confirmed his identity, according to the department.
Police said they did not arrest him because California law generally restricts warrantless arrests for misdemeanors that did not occur in an officer’s presence. Since the alleged trespassing had taken place the previous evening, officers said they could not make an arrest based solely on that offense. The man was therefore released while investigators prepared the case for prosecutorial review.
Prosecutors review whether charges should be filed
Investigators submitted the case to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors will determine whether the evidence supports criminal charges. The office confirmed that it was reviewing the matter and that no charges had been filed as of Monday.
The student said she was stunned that a person could allegedly chase her into a secured building and later leave after being identified by police. She called for stronger laws and additional protections for residents. The case remains under review, and the available information does not establish whether prosecutors will pursue charges.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A student said a man followed her and ran toward her as she returned home with her dog. |
| 2 | Security footage shows the man climbing over a locked gate into the apartment complex. |
| 3 | Police later identified him but said they could not make a warrantless arrest for the prior misdemeanor. |
| 4 | The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing whether charges should be filed. |
Summary
The Berkeley incident highlights the limits officers may face when investigating an alleged misdemeanor that occurred outside their presence. Police identified the man after a second call but referred the case to prosecutors rather than making an arrest. The final decision on possible charges rests with the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, which had not filed charges as of Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the alleged incident occur?
The reported pursuit and entry into the apartment complex occurred on Sept. 15 in Berkeley, California.
Why was the man not arrested?
Police said California law generally prevents a warrantless arrest for a misdemeanor that officers did not witness. The alleged trespassing occurred the previous day.
What happens next in the case?
The Berkeley Police Department submitted the case to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, which will decide whether criminal charges should be filed.
