Editorials

One finger, fifteen dollars 

A man, apparently using nothing more than an outstretched finger, stole $15 from a pizza shop late Thursday night, according to police. 

Berkeley Police Department spokseperson Sgt. Steve Odom said a man in his early-30s entered Extreme Pizza at 2352 Shattuck Ave. at about 11:30 p.m., left and returned 30 seconds later, demanding that employees and customers get down on the floor as he stole $15 from the tip jar. 

The robber, described as 5 feet 9 inches, with a medium build, wearing a dark sweatshirt, had a hand in the right pocket of his sweatshirt and was apparently using an outstretched finger to create the appearance of a gun, Odom said. 

As he made his way out the door, an employee said, “You better put the money back.” 

“You better get out of my way,” the robber said, fleeing the scene, according to Odom. 

Police had no suspects as of Monday afternoon. 

Durant Avenue beating 

Two men beat an acquaintance on the 2500 block of Durant Avenue late Thursday night, according to police. 

Berkeley Police Department spokseperson Sgt. Steve Odom said the group got in a verbal altercation, with all three parties “trash-talking,” when one of the men punched another in the face. 

The third man then worked with the puncher to shove the victim to the ground, according to police. The two assailants proceeded to kick the victim in the face and body, Odom said, fleeing when a witness told them the police were arriving. 

Investigators did not have the alleged attackers in custody as of Monday afternoon.