Oakland and Emeryville police investigate the scene of a shooting after a fist-fight turned violent in the Target store parking lot in Emeryville, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 4, 2017. Two gunshot victims were taken to a local hospital, where at least one was in critical condition, and at least two suspects were apprehended according Oakland police. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND — The suspect in a $1 million arson at the Target in Emeryville has been released from jail on the condition he not possess ignitable materials or return to the store, court records show.
Reuben Ramirez-Berg, 26, was released on his own reconnaissance last month by Judge James Cramer. He is next due in court in August for a preliminary hearing, where a judge will review the evidence against him and decide whether there’s enough for the case to proceed.
Emeryville police allege that on around 2 p.m. on June 4, Ramirez-Berg entered the Target at 1555 40th Street in Emeryville carrying some items wrapped in a sheet, including a bottle of motor oil. He allegedly walked to the bedding section and ignited the items, then calmly purchased something with the self-checkout and walked out of the parking lot to his vehicle.
Two days later, Ramirez-Berg was arrested in his Emeryville home, police say. Authorities haven’t revealed the suspected motive for the arson. Employees were able to put out the fire, but reported that it caused approximately $1 million in damage.
Originally published at Nate Gartrell