Man Arrested for Attempting to Murder a Dog Walker and Biting a Witness
Photo: John A. Hardin
BERKELEY— A man has been arrested for attempting to murder an elderly dog walker and biting a witness. Both victims had to be transported to a hospital to receive medical treatment.
These violent attacks happened March 8th on the 1300 block of University Avenue, near an apartment building. Officers responded at 8:30 p.m. to a report that two men were fighting outside.
The suspect attacked a 74-year-old man out for an evening walk with his small dog. Officers located the victim bleeding from multiple stab wounds in his torso, and his cane lying on the sidewalk.
A 36-year-old witness had attempted to tackle the assailant. The witness stopped the attack, but he was severely bitten by the suspect, who fled from the scene.
Less than one hour later, police located the suspect several blocks away, John A. Hardin, 52, a Berkeley transient.
Hardin was detained near the intersection of Delaware and 10th streets. He was arrested at 9:21 p.m., although he refused to allow officers to collect DNA evidence.
Hardin was subsequently charged with premeditated attempted murder and use of a deadly weapon. His other charges include assault and special allegations for causing great bodily injury to an elderly person.
Hardin presently remains in custody at Santa Rita Jail, ineligible for release on bond. He has prior arrests and convictions for robbery and assaults dating back to 1995.
