Suspects Use Fire Extinguishers To Rob Scooter Rider In Berkeley: Police

BERKELEY, CA — Police say they're looking for two suspects who used a fire extinguisher to rob a scooter rider in Berkeley Sunday afternoon.

The scooter rider was traveling along Dwight Way near Hillegass Avenue just before 3 p.m. when an unknown suspect sprayed a fire extinguisher in his face, the Berkeley Police Department told Patch.

The suspect then pulled the man off the scooter and pushed him against a vehicle while a second suspect stole the scooter and his phone, police said.

It's unclear whether this was a random act or if the suspects and the victim knew each other.

Officers were able to locate the victim's phone and a stolen car the suspects ditched in the area of Telegraph Avenue and West MacArthur Boulevard, police said. However, officers were not able to locate the suspects, police said.

Campus police asked that anyone with more information contact the Berkeley Police Department at 510-981-5900.

The agency also offered the following tips to the campus community to stay safe:

• Use and encourage others to have a safe means of conveyance at all times (e.g., traveling with a trusted friend or in a group, taking a rideshare, or utilizing the free night safety services available to every member of the campus community, such as Safewalk or the night safety shuttle: nightsafety.berkeley.edu)
• If you need help, dial 911 or use a blue light emergency phone (located throughout the campus and identified by a blue light on top of the phone box or column).
• Electronic devices are popular robbery targets. Being aware of your surroundings and keeping your devices out of public view can help reduce risk.
• Please do not delay in calling law enforcement. UCPD strongly encourages the prompt reporting of criminal or suspicious activity.