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Shooting at dealership was act of domestic violence
The shooting that killed a woman at the Toyota dealership where she worked has been described as an act of domestic violence by the Alameda County sheriff's office. The gunman was also killed in a shootout with Berkeley police officers.
ALBANY, Calif. - The Alameda County Sheriff's Department says a daylight shooting Thursday morning at a Toyota dealership and service center in Albany on Thursday was an act of domestic violence, where the woman and male suspect are both dead.
A gunman walked into the dealership about 11:15 a.m. and killed the woman, police said. That shooter was then killed during a shootout with Berkeley police, authorities said.
"We have numerous witnesses who say they saw the suspect shoot the woman," said Tya Modeste, with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.
The relationship between the two wasn't spelled out, and neither the woman nor the man was identified. The motive also wasn't clear.
Several witnesses told KTVU the suspect was delivering coffee at the Toyota dealership.
Berkeley police said they were called in by Albany police for assistance at the Toyota facility situated at 1025 Eastshore Highway. No officers were injured.
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Police describe shooting at East Bay car center
Berkeley police say that there was a shooting in a car dealership and service center in Albany where multiple officers used their weapons after encountering gunfire.
Upon entering the building, officers discovered a victim and a suspect before gunshots rang out, according to Officer Jessica Perry of the Berkeley Police Department.
"There were four gun shots, one right after another," said a witness who wants to remain anonymous. She works in a building near the dealership.
Perry stated that officers were met with gunfire inside the building, and multiple officers discharged their firearms. At least five officers were involved in the shooting.
An employee at Toyota of Berkeley in Albany told KTVU it happened on the second floor and they heard someone yell out "gun!"
Employees and customers were evacuated from the scene before police arrived.
"A lot of people were in front of the building, crying, scared, in shock, sad," she said.
Jacob Wansick, an employee with Flooring Dimensions said, "There were a lot of sirens going off."
Wansick said businesses were told to shelter in place for about half an hour while the incident unfolded because the initial call was for an active shooter.
"We called the Albany police earlier and asked them what do we do and they just advised to keep everyone in shelter," said Wansick.
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Police activity at Albany car dealership
Police responded to what was described as a "critical incident" at a car dealership in Albany Thursday morning.
The public was urged to avoid the section of Eastshore Highway between Buchanan and Harrison Streets.
Businesses nearby sent their employees home for the day.
Target remained open to foot traffic while the streets were closed.
The violent act drew comment from Berkley's mayor, who praised the first responders who "leaped into action and harm's way."
"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."