Police Arrest Man in BB Gun Attack at Wildcat Canyon Park

Police arrested a 21-year-old man after an alleged BB gun attack Sunday at Wildcat Canyon Park in Richmond, East Bay Regional Park District police said. Police made the arrest at about 8 p.m. Sunday after the man allegedly shot a woman in the forehead while she was hiking, police said. The woman was hiking on the west side of the park on the Wildcat Trail, according to police. Witnesses helped officers find the suspect, who hid behind a tree with a BB pistol powered by carbon dioxide, police said.

“We are very thankful for the public’s assistance with this case,” East Bay Regional Park District police Lt. Alan Love said in a statement. “This is an example of how a good relationship between the police and the community can help reduce crime, and make the parks safer for everyone.”

Officers booked the suspect into the Martinez Detention Facility, police said. His name was not immediately being released. The man has a record of interaction with Richmond police, but details of the interaction are sealed because he was a juvenile at the time, park police said. Officers used a search warrant to search the suspect’s home in Richmond on Monday and found evidence relevant to the case, according to police.

Authorities are looking into whether the suspect has anything to do with two other BB gun attacks in Wildcat Canyon Park, police said. One of those took place Sept. 27 and the other on May 6, according to police. Authorities are urging park visitors to be aware of their surroundings, report suspicious activity and take photos of license plates when necessary.

Visitors can reach park police at (510) 881-1833 or through the anonymous tip line at (510) 690-6521.

By Bay City News