Photo: Berkeley Police Department
A 45-year-old man named Courtney Emile Alford was arrested on November 5 in connection with a break-in at a UC Berkeley sorority house. According to the Berkeley Police Department, Alford allegedly entered the house on the 2300 block of Warring Street on November 1, where he stole food and personal items and was seen watching women shower.
Berkeley Police Officer Byron White described the incident as "shocking and scary," noting that Alford was seen in the house as early as 3 a.m. and left by 6:35 a.m. Security footage showed Alford entering and exiting the building multiple times, even changing clothes and returning with a ski mask.
Alford, who has a lengthy criminal history, was identified using surveillance video and FLOCK license-plate-reader technology. Upon searching his Dublin residence, police discovered parts of an assault rifle, high-capacity magazines, and over 900 rounds of ammunition.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged Alford with burglary, prowling, invasion of privacy, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, among other charges. Alford, who is being held at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin on $275,000 bail, has pleaded not guilty. He is due back in court on November 18.
The incident has raised concerns about safety among the sorority's residents, with UC Berkeley's Student Affairs team offering support resources to those affected.