Woman and suspect dead after shooting at Toyota Service Center in Albany

The Alameda County Sheriff’s Department has reported that the daylight shooting on Thursday morning at a Toyota dealership and service center in Albany was a tragic incident of domestic violence, resulting in the loss of both the female victim and the male suspect.

At around 11:15 a.m., the assailant entered the dealership and fatally shot the woman. Subsequently, the shooter engaged in a gunfight with Berkeley police officers, resulting in his own demise, according to authorities.

Tya Modeste, a representative from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, stated, “We have multiple witnesses who attest to seeing the suspect shoot the woman.”

The connection between the two individuals involved was not specified, and neither their identities were disclosed.

The motive behind the incident also remains unclear. Some witnesses informed Channel3 that the suspect was in the process of delivering coffee at the Toyota establishment.

Upon request from Albany police, Berkeley law enforcement was dispatched to the Toyota facility located at 1025 Eastshore Highway.

Officer Jessica Perry from the Berkeley Police Department stated that upon entering the premises, officers encountered both a victim and a suspect.

Shortly thereafter, a series of four gunshots were heard, as reported by an anonymous witness who works in a nearby building. Fortunately, no officers sustained any injuries during the incident.

Perry explained that upon entering the building, officers were met with gunfire, prompting multiple officers to return fire.

The shooting involved at least five officers. An employee at Toyota of Berkeley in Albany informed Channel3 that the incident occurred on the second floor, with someone shouting “gun!” Employees and customers were safely evacuated from the area prior to the arrival of law enforcement.

The witness shared, “A lot of people were gathered in front of the building, showing signs of distress, fear, shock, and sadness.”

People were advised to steer clear of the stretch of Eastshore Highway spanning from Buchanan to Harrison Streets. Businesses in close proximity sent their employees home for the day. Although the streets were closed, Target still welcomed pedestrians.

The mayor of Berkeley remarked on the violent incident, commending the first responders for their swift and courageous actions in the face of danger.

“We are grateful to our officers for putting their lives on the line to confront this armed suspect,” Mayor Jesse Arreguín said in a statement. “The number of guns on our streets continues to pose an unacceptable threat to our community and the many women and men who go to work every day to protect us.”