Crime & Safety
Berkeley Hit-and-Run Between Driver, Cyclists Captured on Video
The driver of a sedan appears to strike two cyclists then move on without pausing. See the crash here at 2 minutes and 38 seconds into the video. Click the "Keep me posted" button below for updates about traffic safety in or near Albany.
A cyclist in Berkeley shot video of an apparent hit-and-run crash with a car on Tunnel Road, which knocked him and a friend off their bikes and onto the roadway. (Skip to 2:38 in the video to see the crash.)
"Yesterday I went to the police department and I reported the crime. I also gave the video to the police officer," said the cyclist, identified as "Bruno," in the comments accompanying the video, which he posted on YouTube.
As of 4 a.m. Saturday, the video had more than 95,000 views and nearly 400 comments.
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Because the license plate number was visible, he said, Berkeley police located the car and the owner. "Now I'm waiting for the return of the police on the case."
In the video, Bruno and a friend make their way along Tunnel Road. Just as they approach the sign for Route 24, a black sedan strikes the cyclists, ages 33 and 46, and sends both men sprawling across the road.
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One crashes into the passenger side window of the car before landing. The driver moves on without pausing or slowing. Neither cyclist appears to be seriously injured.
The YouTube post drew a slew of supportive—and stunned—comments.
"Jeepers—I ride that stretch all the time," said one commenter.
Police in the crash late Friday afternoon.
[Editor's Note this story was updated at 4 a.m. Saturday, April 28.]
**
Berkeley Police released the following statement on Friday at 1:28 p.m.
On 4/25/12, at about 4:30 PM, two bicycle riders riding east on Tunnel Road were struck by a black vehicle driving east on Tunnel Road. The driver of the black vehicle did not stop after the collision, as required by law.
One of the riders had a camera mounted on his handlebars, and the collision was captured on video. That video is on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3LatOGCWVc and has shown up on other websites as well.
The riders, both of whom were wearing helmets, suffered from abrasions from the contact with the roadway, but did not require hospitalization for their injuries. A passerby called 9-1-1, and the riders were seen and treated by Oakland Fire. Their clothing and bicycles were significantly damaged as a result of the collision.
The riders reported the collision at the Berkeley Police Department Wednesday later that evening. Officers began their investigation of the incident. This investigation included review of the video, as well as action on a number of investigative leads.
Due to the ongoing, active nature of the investigation, we are not at this time able to share or confirm specific information regarding our efforts.
Finally, we note the video has had over 21,000 hits on YouTube as of this afternoon, along with over 175 comments. We are aware of information contained in some of the comments, and are following up appropriately. Please note that we will not be discussing specific information from these comments, due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Best regards,
Capt. Andrew Greenwood
Investigations Division Commander
Berkeley Police Department
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