A man was shot and killed Tuesday evening in West Berkeley near University Avenue and the Sea Breeze Market and Deli.
The victim, whom police only described as a black male, was pronounced dead at the scene by Berkeley Fire Department. No suspects are in custody as of Wednesday morning, but witnesses told authorities that two subjects fled north on foot and that a vehicle was seen leaving in the opposite direction after the shooting, according to a press release from East Bay Regional Park District Police Department.
Berkeley Police Department received an unknown disturbance report at approximately 8 p.m. The location of the report was near the entrance to Eastshore Regional Shoreline State Park, and police from both BPD and the regional park district responded.
A handgun and “numerous” shell casings were located at the scene, according to the press release. Witnesses told police that multiple gunshots were heard at the same time. Authorities searched the area and only located one victim.
The investigation has been turned over to East Bay Regional Park District Police Department. The department is working with the county coroner to identify the victim.
The case marks the third reported murder in city limits this year.
In the same area Oct. 19, Bennie Williams, 26, allegedly carjacked a woman at gunpoint. He was arrested and later charged with the Oakland murder of 78-year-old Warner Willis, a separate case from the carjacking.
Police requested that those with information pertaining to Tuesday’s murder call its investigations unit at 510-690-6549 or its dispatch center at 510-881-1833.
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Kimberly Veklerov is a news editor. Contact her at kveklerov@dailycal.org and follow her on Twitter @KVeklerov.