El Cerrito residents faced a harrowing disruption to their morning routine as authorities investigated a shooting that occurred in the 1800 block of Elm St. According to a report by Hoodline, El Cerrito Police Department responded to the incident after residents heard gunshots around 10:30 a.m.
The swift response from law enforcement led to the discovery of one wounded individual and the detainment of another person believed to be the shooter. Details regarding the victim’s condition were not disclosed, and the alleged shooter's identity has not been released to the public. "The nature of the shooting is under investigation," the El Cerrito Police Department expressed.
Participation from the Richmond and Kensington police departments helped secure the scene promptly. Concurrently, a local school, Summit K2, enacted a lockdown that was later lifted once the area was deemed secure, restoring a semblance of normalcy amidst a morning of uncertainty for parents and students alike.
An update to the case was provided by the El Cerrito Police Department, revealing that the shooting occurred after the resident encountered an intruder, later identified as William Nidever. According to law enforcement, Nidever unlawfully gained entry into the home, prompting the resident to, thinking Nidever was armed, fire a shotgun in fear for his life. A subsequent investigation determined that he was unarmed. It's confirmed that Nidever is receiving medical treatment for his injuries.
The police are working on presenting a burglary case to the District Attorney’s Office against Nidever, a 56-year-old transient known in the West Contra Costa area, pending his recovery. Updates on the case and any further developments will continue to be monitored closely.
