Berkeley Police Department has swiftly taken action against one of its following disturbing reports of violence threats. The drama unfolded when an employee of the City of Berkeley became unhinged and threatened to carry out a shooting spree against coworkers. The red flag prompted the BPD to quickly jump into action, intending to protect the individual at risk and those surrounding them.
In a move to assess the threat level, officers descended onto the city on February 5th, ensuring that extra security was in place to potentially diffuse any sign of aggression if and when the suspect decided to show up at work. The suspect, Pat Urdahl, failed to appear, prompting the department to take a more proactive approach. Coordination with other law enforcement led to Urdahl's arrest in Concord the next day, accomplished without further incident at around 1:18 pm, according to the Berkeley Police Department press release.
A comprehensive search of the premises led to the recovery of a firearm, ammunition, and controlled substances, further solidifying the threat's veracity. Urdahl, a known felon, was hit with charges that speak to the heart of the crisis averted: Penal Code 422(A) for willfully threatening to commit a crime, PC 29800(A)(1) for possession of a firearm, and Health and Safety Code 11370.1(A) for possession of a controlled substance while armed, with additional felony enhancements tacked on for good measure.
The Berkeley Police Department thanked the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department and the Concord Police Department for their assistance throughout the investigation.
