Berkeley Police Department arrested a suspect in connection with starting a newspaper fire outside of Fellini Coffeebar on Tuesday, according to a Nixle alert released Thursday.
An officer responded to the corner of University Avenue and Acton Street about 9 a.m. Tuesday, after receiving a report that a man had set fire to some newspapers that were next to the newspaper rack outside of Fellini Coffeebar, the alert said. When the officer arrived, she discovered that the suspect was in the center median, near Target Express — the alert alleged that the suspect was still holding the lighter stick.
The officer attempted to detain the suspect, but the suspect allegedly fled the scene, according to the alert. The officer then pursued the suspect in a foot chase. At one point, the suspect allegedly flung his shoulder bag at the officer, striking her face. The suspect was apprehended in front of Fellini Coffeebar once additional officers arrived on the scene.
The alert identified the suspect as McLedell Silvano, a 30-year-old homeless male. Silvano was arrested on suspicion of arson and battery on a police officer. He was also arrested for an outstanding warrant from Fremont on suspicion of unlawfully causing a fire as well as another outstanding warrant from San Mateo in connection with a trespass-related crime.
