BERKELEY, Calif. — A police pursuit through the streets of Oakland and Berkeley turned into a potentially deadly encounter when a suspected car thief allegedly threw a live grenade at officers in an attempt to evade capture, the New York Post reported.
The suspect is accused of launching the explosive during a slow-speed pursuit that began around 3:30 p.m. on May 2 when California Highway Patrol officers attempted to pull him over in a stolen vehicle. The suspect refused to stop, prompting a pursuit that continued into neighboring Berkeley.
At one point during the pursuit, the suspect reportedly tossed a bag from the driver’s side window. A CHP officer not involved in the immediate pursuit inspected the bag and discovered what appeared to be a grenade with its safety pin partially removed.
The discovery led to immediate coordination with the Berkeley Police Department and prompted evacuation orders for nearby residents. The University of California, Berkeley Explosive Ordnance Disposal team responded, safely secured the device and cleared the area by 5 p.m.
The pursuit continued until the suspect abandoned the stolen car and fled on foot, ultimately being cornered and arrested on a dead-end street. The UCPD bomb team searched the abandoned vehicle and confirmed there were no additional explosives.
Police later obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s residence, a multi-unit dwelling where he was reportedly staying illegally. No additional explosive devices were found, though residents were temporarily evacuated as a precaution.
The suspect now faces several felony charges, including possession and transportation of a destructive device, possession of a stolen vehicle, fleeing police and resisting arrest, according to the report.
No injuries were reported in the incident. Authorities say the quick response from multiple agencies, including bomb experts, helped avert a potential tragedy.
