Suspect Arrested 25 Times is Accused of Stalking Women near Ohlone Park
Photo: James P. Clinton
BERKELEY—James P. Clinton remains in custody in lieu of $365,000 bond following his 25 th arrest since 2018. This time Clinton is accused of stalking women with intent to commit a sex crime.
Clinton is a 33-year-old transient. Berkeley officers patrolling on bicycles arrested him at Ohlone Park shortly before 6 p.m. on February 10.
He is being housed at Santa Rita Jail, pending a March 4 plea hearing. Incidentally, Clinton was on parole for a conviction in 2021 for assaulting his mother.
Shortly before his latest arrest, two women reported being stalked and one was threatened with rape. In both instances the victims ran away from the suspect later identified as Clinton.
A woman in her 20s walking near the park was approached by a man yelling at her. She started running and he pursued her, until she flagged down a passing motorist for help.
In a prepared statement Berkeley police said. “While getting inside the car for safety, the man threatened to rape the woman the next time he saw her.”
About one hour earlier, another woman in her 20s was followed by a man, before she ran away from him. This incident also happened near Ohlone Park.
Charges were filed against Clinton on February 14. His charges include two counts of stalking, assault with intent to commit a sex crime, and several criminal enhancements.
Last year, Clinton was arrested six times for battery and drugs, among other offenses. He was arrested 14 times in 2020 for kidnapping, robbery, making threats of violence, and other offenses. In 2019, he was arrested three times for drug possession, kidnapping and robbery. He was arrested once in 2018 for public intoxication.
