Features

Jury Convicts Killer of Berkeley Driver 

Lyle Norbert, who three years ago led police on a high speed chase that ended when he plowed his car into an oncoming vehicle, killing the driver, was convicted of second degree murder, possession of hashish and possession of marijuana by an Alameda County jury Wednesday. 

On March 14, 2001, the California Highway Patrol attempted to stop Norbert on I-80 near Richmond for suspicion of driving under the influence. Traveling at speeds in excess of 75 miles per hour, Norbert led the officers into Berkeley, where he ran a red light at Ashby and San Pablo avenues and broadsided a car in the intersection. 

Bank Robber Caught on Film 

Ronald Wayne Tyson is wanted for robbing the Wells Fargo Bank at 1095 University Ave. at approximately 3 p.m. Saturday. 

Tyson is suspected of the commission multiple bank robberies throughout the Bay Area recently. He is considered as “armed and dangerous” and may be staying in local area hotels. 

Tyson, 52, is approximately 5’11’’, weighing 160 pounds with a gaunt build. 

Anyone with information on Tyson’s location is urged to contact the Berkeley Police Robbery Detail at 981-5742 or e-mail police@ci.berkeley.ca.us. 

Bottle Basher and Home Invaders Sought 

Berkeley Police are seeking a robber who bashed a pedestrian over the head with a bottle shortly before 6 p.m. May 11 on San Pablo Avenue at Oregon Street. 

An hour later, three home invasion robbers struck a house on Ward Street near McGee Avenue, brandishing a pistol as they looted the male occupant of his cash and grabbed up other possessions. No arrests have yet been made. 

Undercover Johns Bust 11 Sex Workers 

Following complaints from residents along the San Pablo Avenue corridor, police conducted a late afternoon and evening undercover prostitution sting May 13, collaring 11 suspects ranging in age from 20 to 45. One suspect was also busted on drug and probation violation charges. 

Robber Strikes Twice on Russell 

A strong-arm robber struck twice along Russell Street shortly before midnight on the May 13, police said. The first victim was approached at Russell and Shattuck and managed to escape without loss or injury. Minutes later, the robber struck again, this time at Russell and Adeline Street, making off with a woman’s purse. 

Another Bank Robber Flashes Note, Gets Cash 

Four days after a trio of Berkeley banks were hit by a note-wielding bank robber, a teller at the 1095 University Ave. Wells Fargo branch complied with the note presented by a cap-wearing bandit. 

Four Juvies Busted for Assault, Gun Seized  

Responding to a call about a possible gunshot at Sixth Street and Dwight Way Saturday evening, police pursued fleeing suspects to the 2200 block of Allston Way, where they arrested four juveniles on charges of assault with a deadly weapon. Officers also confiscated a firearm and a car that turned out to have been stolen, said Officer Okies. 

Note-Flashing Bandit Hits Critter Store  

A bald man presented a note to a clerk at Pet Food Express at University and San Pablo Avenue shortly before 4 p.m. Monday, threatening to pull a pistol if he wasn’t given the contents of the till. 

The clerk complied, and the note-taker fled. 

Confronted With Knife, Victim Complies  

A Berkeley woman found herself confronting two men, one brandishing a knife, on San Pablo Avenue near Harrison Street late Monday evening. After she handed over her belongings, the robbers escaped. 

›