Senior Center Meeting Addresses Recent Rape

Nearly 100 community members, the majority of them women, packed the West Berkeley Senior Center Thursday evening to voice their concerns to Berkeley police about a rapist in the area.

Police believe the same male attacker is responsible for the attempted sexual assault of one female and the rape of another earlier this month.

Investigators told attendees they have what they believe to be a viable lead to nab the attacker and they expect to apprehend him soon, said Berkeley police Officer Joe Okies.

"We will definitely catch him," said Berkeley police Capt. Stephanie Fleming.

The first victim was followed to her home, where the suspect tried to attack her. The second victim was forced off the sidewalk in the early morning and raped in a residential driveway at gunpoint. Although police have stepped up patrols and dispatched undercover cars to the area, some residents said they feel it is simply not enough.

"I used to run by there every day," said Diana Gordon, a local resident, "I haven't been since, I've just stopped running. I'm getting fat!"

Others said the rapes are just one more thing that makes their neighborhoods unsafe.

"I don't feel like it's a safe neighborhood," said April Sinclair, who has lived on Delaware Street for seven years. "I'm not saying it's dangerous, I've lived in more dangerous places, but I don't feel safe here."

Police, however, were quick to point out that criminal activity in the city has declined.

Violent crime in Berkeley is down 11 percent from a year ago, said Berkeley police Capt. Doug Hambleton.

Police insisted the most important thing residents could do was to be aware and protect themselves, said Berkeley police Officer Shira Warren.

Police said they hope to be able to release more information surrounding the ongoing investigation some time this week.

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