By Jim Emerson
BERKELEY — A second suspect was recently arrested in an ongoing investigation of a
shooting last year in downtown Berkeley. Omar Gonzales, 31, of Richmond, is charged with
multiple felonies involving an assault with a firearm.
Detectives from Berkeley police department apprehended Gonzales on January 15 in Union City, with help
from Union City police. In addition to an arrest warrant for Gonzales, two search warrants
were executed. Gonzalez was booked at Alameda County Santa Rita Jail.
The Berkeley shooting occurred October 24, near the intersection of Berkeley Way and Henry
Street. Gunfire erupted at 2:30 p.m., and it was recorded by surveillance cameras in the area.
The suspects involved in the shooting fled before officers arrived on the scene. Spent bullet
casings were recovered nearby.
One victim was injured in the shooting. On the following day, Arturo Avalos, 34, of Oakland,
showed up at a hospital with a gunshot wound. Avalos was subsequently identified as one the
suspected shooters, and he was arrested in November.
Fifteen charges were filed against Gonzalez including assault with a firearm and discharge of
a firearm with gross negligence. Other charges concern carrying an unregistered concealed
and loaded firearm, and related charges for violent conduct. Gonzales has prior arrests for
DUI alcohol/drugs and public intoxication.
Regarding Avalos, 22, charges were filed against him, including various weapons-related
charges. Avalos has a prior conviction for second-degree robbery. He has five prior arrests
involving robberies and illicit drugs.
