Man Arrested in Gun Violence Investigation Held in Custody in Lieu of $320,000 Bond
BERKELEY — A 37-year-old man is the subject of an ongoing investigation related to gun violence in Berkeley. Reginald J. Patillo, Jr., faces multiple weapons-related charges and he remains in custody in lieu of $320,000 bond.
Patillo was arrested on a warrant in July and has since been housed inside Santa Rita Jail. He surrendered himself when Berkeley detectives and a police special response team surrounded his residence, near San Pablo Park.
The San Pablo Park neighborhood has been plagued by shootings for several years. Evidence linked Patillo to a drive-by shooting that occurred during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
Multiple shots were fired May 30 in the direction of the crowded park. Witnesses reported seeing a vehicle fleeing from the area, and cell phone tracking data indicated Patillo was inside that vehicle.
Authorities preparing to execute arrest and search warrants considered him armed and dangerous. A perimeter was set up around his home on Acton Street. However, he was convinced to give himself up when contacted by phone.
Patillo was arrested as he exited his residence, which was searched. Three semi-automatic handguns and two high-capacity magazines were recovered as evidence. Other hidden ammunition was also found.
Patillo was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm by a felon and for prohibited ammunition. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office subsequently filed four weapons-related charges against him.
Patillo has prior felony convictions for assault, second-degree robbery, and possession of cocaine base for sale. He has previous arrests on his record for burglary, false imprisonment, and grand theft.
Over the years, Patillo has used various aliases, including Farooq Rashad, Reginald Rashad, and Eric Wright.
