BERKELEY – A 26-year-old Vallejo man is in custody following two separate hit-and-runs and a pair of attempted carjackings Tuesday in Berkeley, according to authorities.
The suspect hit two victims – a 46-year-old woman out for a jog and a 30-year-old man walking his dog – in the 2700 block of Belrose Avenue, Berkeley police Officer Jessica Perry told this news organization. Both were taken to an area hospital.
Perry said a third victim – a 78-year-old man riding his bicycle – was found later on Derby Street. He was also taken to the hospital.
All three victims were listed in stable condition Tuesday night, according to Perry.
Perry described the collisions as “deliberate acts.”
“While the victims involved in these crashes do not appear to have been specifically targeted, the crashes themselves appear to be deliberate acts by the suspect,” Perry said. “There is no evidence to suggest these acts were racially or politically motivated.”
The same suspect was linked to a pair of carjackings – both involving women driving their children to school – on Garber Street, Perry said. No injuries were reported.
Officers arrested the suspect on College Avenue after he tried to steal another vehicle, according to Perry. He was booked at the city jail on charges including attempted murder, attempted carjacking, driving under the influence and vehicle theft.
The vehicle the suspect was driving had been reported stolen in Richmond, Perry said, adding that the circumstances that brought him to Berkeley are still under investigation.
Check back for updates.