DNA Cracks Cold Case: Berkeley Man Arrested in String of Commercial Burglaries

Berkeley, CA – After an exhaustive investigation spanning years, Berkeley police have announced a significant breakthrough in a string of commercial burglaries that plagued the city. DNA evidence proved to be the undeniable link, leading to the arrest and charging of 62-year-old William Douglas of Berkeley.

The intricate case began to unravel with a brazen burglary at a Berkeley dispensary in 2021.

Authorities reported that an individual, later identified as Douglas, allegedly shattered a window to gain entry, making off with valuable merchandise. Crucially, forensic specialists from the Berkeley Police Department’s Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit were able to recover vital DNA samples from the scene – a silent witness waiting to speak volumes.

For months, investigators meticulously worked to process and analyze the evidence.

The breakthrough came when the collected DNA samples definitively matched William Douglas, who was already known to law enforcement and on probation for a prior residential burglary offense. This crucial piece of evidence solidified the connection between Douglas and the 2021 dispensary break-in, and potentially other similar incidents.

Armed with compelling DNA evidence, detectives secured a search warrant for Douglas's residence located in the 1700 block of Blake Street.

The execution of the warrant was a pivotal moment in the investigation. Inside the home, officers made a discovery that further implicated Douglas: a pry bar, a tool commonly associated with forced entry burglaries. Its presence significantly strengthened the case against him.

Following the search and the mounting evidence, Douglas was taken into custody.

He now faces a litany of serious charges, including multiple counts of burglary, grand theft, and possession of stolen property. His existing probation status for residential burglary will likely factor heavily into the legal proceedings. This arrest brings a measure of relief to local businesses and residents, signaling that even the most cunning criminals can be brought to justice through diligent police work and the power of forensic science.