Also, Photo: Setting up to arrest Little
BERKELEY— Landlord/tenant disputes reached a whole new level of vitriol even for litigious Berkeley. A landlord is in custody with bail denied for allegedly attempting to murder his tenant on June 13.
Legal battles over evictions and rent control have skyrocketed in Berkeley in recent years. Now a landlord will appear in court on June 21 for allegedly using a semi-automatic weapon to attack his tenant.
On June 13 shortly before noon, police received reports of gunfire and a man screaming in the street. Responding officers found a 39-year-old man critically wounded on the 2100 block of Essex Street.
Herman L. Little
The victim suffered with wounds in his chest and one hand. Before responding officers arrived, the wounded man sought help at a nearby cannabis dispensary.
Police response was massive and included a surveillance helicopter circling overhead until the suspect was identified and located. Authorities closed several blocks to pedestrian and vehicle traffic during the investigation.
Police arrested the suspected gunman, 75-year-old Herman L. Little, several hours later at 8:15 p.m. They suspected him of shooting at his tenant multiple times. Also, Police recovered several weapons near the crime scene.
Little chased after his wounded tenant as he ran into his apartment. Then his landlord allegedly unlocked his door and inflicted a second gunshot wound.
Little’s charges include attempted murder, assault with a semi-automatic firearm, and numerous enhanced charges related to causing great bodily injury.
Little has a previous conviction of domestic violence with a sentence of three years on probation.
