Police Identify Suspect from Albany Hit-and-Run who Died in Shootout with Officers

Police have identified a 25-year-old Berkeley man, Choung Van Nguyen, as the suspect killed by Berkeley police after a chase that started in Albany.

At about 10:45 p.m. Monday, Albany police reportedly began to chase Nguyen south on San Pablo Avenue when he failed to pull over during a routine traffic stop. He hit an above-ground water valve and a telephone pole, but continued to flee on San Pablo, said Chief Mike McQuiston of the Albany Police Department.

Police say he drove into Berkeley and jumped out of his car. Soon after, as police tried to detain him, he is said to have drawn a pistol and fired at them.

Police shot back, said Sgt. Mary Kusmiss, Berkeley police spokeswoman, and Nguyen was pronounced dead near the intersection of Eighth and Camelia streets in Berkeley.

The Alameda County coroner's office completed an autopsy on Nguyen on Wednesday morning.

The three officers who were involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard protocol for officer-involved shootings.

The Berkeley Police Department will release further details as they become available.