Berkeley High Mountain Bike Team Carjacked At Gunpoint

BERKELEY, CA — The Berkeley High School mountain bike team was held up at gunpoint during a carjacking last week in which thieves made off with a van full of bikes, the team’s coach said.

The robbery occurred Saturday while coaches and students were unloading bikes in the area of 8th and Virginia streets, head coach Nick Hoeper-Tomich wrote on a GoFundMe page in support of his team.

The crowdfunding drive in support of the team has already raised more than $24,000, exceeding the campaign’s $20,000 goal.

All proceeds from the drive will go to the victims and any additional funds will be used to purchase GPS trackers and other safety equipment for the BHS team, Hoeper-Tomich said.

“Luckily, only ‘things’ were taken, and no one was injured,” Hoeper-Tomich said

“My heart goes out to Coaches Russ, Dan, OT and student/athletes Kalu and Torsten for getting through such a traumatic experience. While some of the stolen items may be covered under insurance, not everything will be, and both Torsten and Kalu are just kids who love to ride and won't be able to participate in team activities until their bikes are replaced.”

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