Berkeley Gang Member Charged In Halloween Shooting

BERKELEY, CA — A reputed gang member was charged Tuesday with assault with a firearm and other charges for a shooting in Berkeley last month that left a victim with a gunshot wound to his leg, police said.

The Alameda County District Attorney's Office filed the charges against Jose Paz-Leja, 26, of Berkeley, for a shooting in the 1500 block of Fairview Street on the night of Oct. 31, which was Halloween, according to
Berkeley police.

In addition to assault with a firearm, Paz-Leja was charged with the use of a firearm in commission of felony, commission of a felony while out on bail and a great bodily injury enhancement.

Berkeley police officials described Paz-Leja as "a known 'West Side Berkeley' Norteno gang member."

The victim who was shot in his leg was a 25-year-old man, police said.

— Bay City News; Image via Berkeley Police