What do they think they are going to get from a bunch of fisherman?
Three men robbed at gunpoint while fishing on Berkeley Pier
Oakland Tribune
Article Last Updated: 10/29/2008 07:29:02 AM PDT
Berkeley
THREE ROBBED AT GUNPOINT WHILE FISHING ON PIER: Police continue to investigate a violent robbery of three men who were fishing on the Berkeley Pier late Sunday night.
Two of the fishers were beaten in the head with guns and police believe the suspects, who have not been arrested, are gang members.
The fishers, a 24-year-old from Hercules, a 23-year-old from San Pablo and a 23-year-old from Pittsburg, were fishing about a quarter of the way down the pier at the Berkeley Marina about 10:30 p.m. Sunday when they were approached by three men they did not know.
The three men walked by the fishers, turned around and walked back toward them, police said.
When the fishers asked to be left alone, the men yelled expletives at them, said police Sgt. Mary Kusmiss. The suspects also asked one of the men why he was wearing red and what gang "they claimed." One of the suspects said, "This is southside Richmond over here."
One suspect pulled out a black semi-automatic pistol and hit the 23-year-old man from Pittsburg in the back-left side of his head and ear, causing bleeding.
The suspects hit the 23-year-old man from San Pablo on the head, causing swelling and a bump, police said.
One suspect showed the black barrel of what appeared to be a shotgun, police said.
The suspects also threatened to kill the fishers and throw them in the Bay, police said.
The suspects stole the fishers' cell phones, three designer wallets, about $35, credit cards and identification, and one man's white Nike shoes.
The suspects also made the man they believed was wearing a red sweatshirt — it was actually burgundy, the victim said — throw it over the side of the pier, police said. Police said they believe the robbery was done by gang members. Robberies on the fishing pier are uncommon, Kusmiss said.
Gang-related robberies in the parking lots of restaurants on the Berkeley Marina happen periodically, police said. During the robbery, a group of girls walked by the incident and were told by the suspects to keep walking. Police would like to speak with anyone with information about the crime. Tipsters can remain anonymous. Call Berkeley police at 510-981-5700.
—Kristin Bender
