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Contact:  Officer Joe Okies  #71

                 BPD Public Information Officer

                 (510) 981- 5752

Berkeley Officer Shot While Chasing Suspect

Badge May Have Saved his Life

Berkeley, California (Tuesday May 17, 2005) – At approximately 2:36 this morning officers were patrolling University Avenue near Interstate 80 when they attempted to stop a black Mustang containing 2 occupants for vehicle code violations. The Mustang fled east on University at a high rate of speed and officers chose not to pursue the car out of concern for public safety.  The vehicle was out of the officer’s sight as officers drove east and exited University Avenue onto 6^th Street.

Officers soon discovered the Mustang on 5^th Street near Delaware.  The suspects ran from the car when they saw the police.  Another officer came to assist with the foot chase and tried to stop Howard Street a 35-year-old Berkeley resident, pictured to the right.    Street began to fight with the officer, and in the course of the altercation pulled a gun and shot him.  The officer, who has been with Berkeley Police Department for approximately 3 years was struck at least once in the area covered by his badge.  The bullet was then stopped by his bullet proof vest.  The officer was rushed to Highland Hospital and treated for his injuries.  He is currently in fair condition and is expected to make a full recovery.

  Officers were able to stop Street near the scene of the shooting soon after it happened and arrested him for attempted murder of a police officer.