Suspects Arrested and Charged for October 12th Berkeley Shooting

The Berkeley Police Department has made significant progress in the investigation of a shooting that occurred on October 12, 2025, in the 1000 block of Addison St.

The Berkeley Police Department has made significant progress in the investigation of a shooting that occurred on October 12, 2025, in the 1000 block of Addison St.

On October 12^th, 2025, at approximately 6:19 pm, Berkeley Police officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 1000 block of Addison St. Initial reports indicated the shooting may have been the result of a preceding altercation between a group on the street.

Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras helped identify the suspect vehicle, a white Honda SUV registered to Lanika Connors, a 41-year-old female. Surveillance footage and witness statements indicate that the suspected shooter, identified as Ernest Portlock, a 44-year-old male, fired a handgun into a residence located on the 1000 block of Addison St. Portlock ran from the scene, jumped into the awaiting Honda, and fled the scene with Lanika Connors driving.

Detectives obtained arrest warrants for both Ernest Portlock and Lanika Connors. As part of the investigation, Detectives learned Portlock was out of the country, in Jamaica. In coordination with the San Francisco Police Department - Airport Division, Officers arrested Portlock as he off boarded his plane at SFO on October 24, 2025.

Officers arrested Lanika Connors in Berkeley on October 27, 2025, after ALPR Cameras alerted Officers to her vehicle.

On October 28^th, the Alameda County District Attorney's Office charged Portlock with PC 246 - shooting at an occupied dwelling, PC 246.3 - negligent discharge of a firearm, PC 29800(a)(1) - possession of a firearm by a felon, PC 30305(a)(1)- possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, PC 25300 - criminal possession of a firearm while masked, along with multiple other felony enhancements.

Connors was charged with PC 246 - shooting at an occupied dwelling, PC 246.3 - negligent discharge of a firearm, PC 32 - accessory.

Both Portlock and Connors remain in custody in Alameda County.

This investigation reflects the ongoing collaboration between law enforcement agencies and underscores the Berkeley Police Department's commitment to addressing gun violence and protecting the safety of our community.

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