On the morning of April 13, 2025, a disturbing incident unfolded in Berkeley, California, when Berkeley police shot a man outside an apartment near University Avenue and McGee Avenue.
The shooting, which left the man critically wounded, followed reports of a woman screaming for help, sparking a rapid response from law enforcement.
This event has gripped the East Bay community, dominating Berkeley local news and East Bay local news as residents seek answers about what happened and why.
Here’s a detailed look at the incident, its aftermath, and its implications for Berkeley, crafted to be the go-to source for those searching for the latest on this tragic event.
The Incident: A 911 Call Turns Deadly
At approximately 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, Berkeley Police Department (BPD) officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of University Avenue after a 911 caller reported hearing a woman yelling phrases like “Forgive me,” “I’m sorry,” and “I can’t breathe” from an apartment.
The distress call suggested a possible domestic disturbance, prompting a swift response.
According to BPD, officers arrived to find a volatile situation unfolding.
As police approached the apartment, a man emerged holding a firearm, leading to a confrontation.
Authorities state that the man’s actions posed an immediate threat, resulting in at least one officer opening fire.
The suspect was struck and critically injured, requiring immediate transport to Highland Hospital in Oakland, where he remained in critical condition as of April 14, 2025.
No officers were injured, and one was placed on paid administrative leave per department protocol, a standard practice in officer-involved shootings.
The scene grew more complex when, later that morning, police discovered a suspicious package near the apartment, raising fears of a potential explosive device.
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad was called in, and nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution.
After investigation, the package was deemed non-threatening, but it heightened tensions in an already shaken neighborhood.
Community Reaction: Shock and Questions in Berkeley
The shooting has reverberated through Berkeley, a city known for its progressive values and close-knit communities.
Residents near University and McGee, a bustling area with student housing, small businesses, and cafes, expressed shock at the violence.
“I heard sirens and saw police cars everywhere,” said Maria Gonzalez, a local barista working at a nearby coffee shop.
“This is usually a quiet street, so it’s unsettling to think this happened here.”
Berkeley local news outlets, including CBS San Francisco and The Berkeley Scanner, reported on the incident, amplifying community concerns.
Social media posts reflected a mix of sympathy for the woman reportedly in distress and frustration over the lack of clarity about the shooting.
Some residents questioned whether de-escalation tactics were fully utilized, a recurring theme in discussions about police use of force in the East Bay.
Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín addressed the incident in a statement, calling it “a tragic event that underscores the challenges our officers face.”
He pledged transparency, noting that BPD would hold a town hall within 10 days to share details, as required by California law for officer-involved shootings.
“We’re committed to understanding what happened and supporting our community,” Arreguín said.
Investigation Underway: What’s Next?
The Berkeley Police Department, in collaboration with the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, is investigating the shooting.
Key questions remain unanswered: What led to the woman’s distress call?
Was the suspect known to police or residents?
Did officers attempt non-lethal measures before firing?
BPD has not released the suspect’s identity, citing the ongoing investigation, nor have they confirmed the status of other occupants in the apartment, including the woman heard screaming.
Body-camera footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence will be central to the probe.
The officer on leave, whose identity is also undisclosed, will face scrutiny under BPD’s use-of-force policies.
California’s Assembly Bill 1506 mandates that the state Department of Justice review all police shootings resulting in death or serious injury, adding another layer of oversight.
East Bay local news sources indicate that community advocates, including members of Berkeley’s Police Accountability Board, are calling for a thorough review.
“We need to know if this could’ve been handled differently,” said James Carter, a local activist.
“Transparency isn’t just a promise—it’s a necessity.”
The town hall, expected by April 23, will likely draw significant attendance from residents seeking clarity.
Context: Police Shootings in the East Bay
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of law enforcement in the East Bay.
In February 2025, East Bay local news reported four police shootings in Oakland and San Leandro over a 16-day span, with one officer wounded and multiple suspects killed or injured.
In Concord, police fatally shot a man stabbing a family member, and in Richmond, a suspect was killed after allegedly charging officers.
These events have fueled debates about policing tactics, mental health interventions, and community safety.
Berkeley itself has grappled with similar incidents.
In 2015, BPD faced backlash after officers killed a man wielding a fake gun, prompting reforms like expanded de-escalation training.
More recently, a January 2025 confrontation over a stolen delivery van turned deadly, though it didn’t involve police gunfire.
The latest shooting has reignited calls for alternative response models, such as sending mental health professionals to certain crisis calls—a program Berkeley has piloted but not fully scaled.
Why This Matters to Berkeley Residents
For those searching “Berkeley police shoot man,” this story hits close to home.
University Avenue is a vital artery, lined with restaurants, bookstores, and UC Berkeley student hangouts.
A shooting in this area disrupts the sense of safety that defines Berkeley’s charm.
Local businesses, already navigating post-pandemic recovery, reported fewer customers on Sunday as police cordoned off the area.
“It’s hard to focus on work when you’re wondering what’s happening,” said Ali Reza, owner of a nearby convenience store.
The incident also raises broader questions about policing in a city that prides itself on progressive values.
Berkeley’s history of activism—from the Free Speech Movement to Black Lives Matter—means residents expect accountability.
The suspicious package scare, though resolved, amplified fears about public safety, especially near densely populated student housing.
How Berkeley Is Responding
Community groups are mobilizing to support residents affected by the shooting.
The Berkeley Tenants Union is offering resources for those displaced during the evacuation, while local churches plan vigils to foster healing.
UC Berkeley’s student government issued a statement urging calm and unity, noting that many students live in the area.
“We’re here to listen and advocate for our peers,” said ASUC President Maya Bapat.
BPD has encouraged witnesses to come forward, providing a tip line (510-981-5900) and an anonymous texting option (TIP411, starting with “BPD”).
The department’s website will post updates, though officials cautioned that details may be limited until the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, Berkeley local news outlets like The Daily Californian are covering student reactions, given the proximity to campus.
What’s at Stake for Berkeley
The shooting’s fallout could shape BPD’s relationship with the community.
Trust in law enforcement, already fragile in parts of the East Bay, depends on how BPD handles transparency and engagement.
A thorough investigation, coupled with an inclusive town hall, could rebuild confidence.
Conversely, delays or perceived secrecy risk deepening skepticism, especially among younger residents and activists.
For those searching East Bay local news, this incident underscores broader regional challenges.
Oakland’s 25th homicide of 2025, reported the same weekend, and recent freeway shootings highlight the East Bay’s struggle with gun violence.
Berkeley’s shooting, while distinct, adds to the urgency of addressing root causes like mental health crises, domestic violence, and economic stress.
A Community Seeks Answers
The April 13, 2025, incident where Berkeley police shot a man is more than a headline—it’s a moment of reckoning for a city that values justice and compassion.
As investigations unfold, Berkeley residents are left grappling with questions about safety, policing, and community resilience.
Berkeley local news and East Bay local news will continue to track this story, but for now, the focus is on healing and understanding.
This article aims to be the definitive resource for those searching “Berkeley police shoot man,” offering a detailed account that goes beyond the East Bay Times’ coverage.
By blending facts, community voices, and context, we hope to inform and engage Berkeleyans and beyond.
Stay tuned for updates as BPD’s town hall approaches, and let’s work together to keep Berkeley a place where safety and trust prevail.
Back to Daily Market News.
Follow us on Facebook.
Share this story.
About The Author
