Post by WaTcHeR on Sept 19, 2006 13:00:33 GMT -5
09.19.2006 - A Berkeley police officer is awaiting a preliminary hearing for felony charges of unlawfully firing several shots while at his San Francisco home.
San Francisco resident Officer Sean Derry, who joined the Berkeley police force a few years ago, was charged by the San Francisco District Attorney's Office with unlawfully shooting a firearm last month.
Derry was at his home Aug. 12 when he believed he heard someone trying to get through the home's front gate. Derry allegedly fired warning shots with his department-issued gun to scare the potential intruder, according to a report in the Oakland Tribune.
Derry's attorney Harry Stern, contacted yesterday by The Daily Californian, said Derry was not inside his home when the shots were fired.
Stern said he believed Derry fired his weapon into the air. The bullets did not strike anything, and there were no injuries or damage to property.
"He clearly didn't violate that section," Stern said referring to the felony charge of unlawfully discharging a firearm. "He fired several shots and the exact circumstances are still under investigation."
Stern said he believed Derry was arrested by San Francisco police officers and cited in the early morning hours of Aug. 12. Derry posted bail and was released.
Berkeley police Officer Ed Galvan said two police officers are currently under internal review and on paid administrative leave, including one officer who went on leave on Aug. 13.
Derry's internal review marks the third time this year a Berkeley police officer has been investigated.
A former officer, Sgt. Cary Kent, pleaded guilty in April to felony charges of drug possession and grand theft following an investigation that found he tampered with evidence envelopes from the department's drug investigation locker.
Kent was sentenced to five years probation and one year in county jail which he will serve under house arrest because of concerns for Kent's safety. As a registered narcotics offender, Kent will also be subject to random blood and saliva tests.
Another officer is under internal investigation for possible theft.
Galvan declined to comment further on how long Derry has been with the department or any other details of the case.
dailycal.org/sharticle.php?id=21427
San Francisco resident Officer Sean Derry, who joined the Berkeley police force a few years ago, was charged by the San Francisco District Attorney's Office with unlawfully shooting a firearm last month.
Derry was at his home Aug. 12 when he believed he heard someone trying to get through the home's front gate. Derry allegedly fired warning shots with his department-issued gun to scare the potential intruder, according to a report in the Oakland Tribune.
Derry's attorney Harry Stern, contacted yesterday by The Daily Californian, said Derry was not inside his home when the shots were fired.
Stern said he believed Derry fired his weapon into the air. The bullets did not strike anything, and there were no injuries or damage to property.
"He clearly didn't violate that section," Stern said referring to the felony charge of unlawfully discharging a firearm. "He fired several shots and the exact circumstances are still under investigation."
Stern said he believed Derry was arrested by San Francisco police officers and cited in the early morning hours of Aug. 12. Derry posted bail and was released.
Berkeley police Officer Ed Galvan said two police officers are currently under internal review and on paid administrative leave, including one officer who went on leave on Aug. 13.
Derry's internal review marks the third time this year a Berkeley police officer has been investigated.
A former officer, Sgt. Cary Kent, pleaded guilty in April to felony charges of drug possession and grand theft following an investigation that found he tampered with evidence envelopes from the department's drug investigation locker.
Kent was sentenced to five years probation and one year in county jail which he will serve under house arrest because of concerns for Kent's safety. As a registered narcotics offender, Kent will also be subject to random blood and saliva tests.
Another officer is under internal investigation for possible theft.
Galvan declined to comment further on how long Derry has been with the department or any other details of the case.
dailycal.org/sharticle.php?id=21427