Features

Road Rage Victim Dies 

George Ronald Barillas, 43, of Berkeley died Tuesday from gunshot wounds sustained last month in what police believe was a road rage incident. Police said the dispute between Barillas and another driver apparently began on I-80 and continued after they left the freeway at Ashby Avenue.  

The pair pulled into a parking lot west of Seventh Street, where the other driver shot and fatally wounded Barillas at approximately 11:25 p.m. on Oct. 24. Investigators say they believe the shooter was driving a late model, full-size dark American-made SUV or pick-up truck, last seen driving west on Ashby towards Interstate 80. He is described as a black male, age 17-20, and possibly muscular or heavyset. Barillas is Berkeley’s fifth murder victim this year. Police encourage anyone with information about the case to call the BPD Homicide Detail at 981-5741. 

Carjacking 

Police are seeking the carjacker who robbed an 87-year-old resident of the 1600 block of Thousand Oaks Boulevard and made off with his car. Police said the victim walked into his garage to perform an errand and found the carjacker, who pulled a knife and stole the man’s cash, then forced him back into the house, where he stole more money before taking the victim’s car keys and taking off in his 1991 white Mazda Protege.  

Ohlone Greenway Arrests 

Police arrested two Berkeley youths for attempted robbery after they allegedly pulled a knife on a man walking along the Ohlone Greenway at Cedar Rose Park. Police said the boys sneaked up behind the victim, brandished the weapon and demanded his money. The victim ran towards the street screaming and flailing his arms, flagging down a driver on Cedar Street, who called police. A search turned up the two youths at the intersection of Gilman and Talbot streets, and the victim positively identified both. Police are investigating to see if the pair has any connections to a series of youth assaults perpetrated on the Greenway in recent months.