Crime & Safety
Child Inappropriately Touched At Bay Area Park: Police
The child had been attending a summer camp at the park.
BERKELEY, CA — Two people were arrested this week for annoying or molesting a victim under the age of 18 in Berkeley. The suspects were arrested a day apart, at two different parks.
"On July 31st, at around 12:49 pm, the Berkeley Police Department received a report that a juvenile had been inappropriately touched on the stomach while attending a summer camp at Strawberry Creek Park," the police department said in a release to the public.
"Park employees contacted the suspect, who was not part of the camp program and was later identified as Francisco Carrilloperez. They kept him at the park until the police arrived."
Police investigating the allegation found that the suspect had inappropriately touched a juvenile on the stomach and had also given them a high five, according to police. Carrilloperez was arrested on suspicion of annoying or molesting a victim under the age of 18, along with an outstanding warrant.
The previous day, police were notified at 3:15 p.m. that a suspect was inside a restroom and had been trying to lure juveniles into a stall. The public restroom is next to a children’s play camp inside Shorebird Park.
Officers found the suspect, later identified as Kerry Wiley, still inside a restroom. Investigators identified two juvenile victims.
Wiley was arrested on suspicion of annoying or molesting children under the age of 18 and multiple additional charges.
Safety Tips
"The Berkeley Police Department would like to remind the community to talk with their children about stranger danger. It’s always a good idea to use the buddy system and never travel alone in a public place. Reminding your children what to look for, what to listen for, and how to remain safe is crucial to their safety."
Members of the community are also encouraged to be alert in public areas and to call the police department about anything that doesn't look right.
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