Police Arrest Woman for Attempted Berkeley Carjacking
Authorities apprehended a suspect at a local homeless camp following a failed carjacking attempt at a gas station.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Property Crime
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Police arrested Ashley Frankum after she allegedly threatened a woman with a BB gun and demanded her keys at a Chevron station. The victim successfully escaped the encounter by fleeing the scene.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding attempted vehicle thefts in public areas. Police recovered the weapon and detained the suspect shortly after the attempt.
Ashley Frankum is currently held at Berkeley Jail on a $200,000 bail. She faces an upcoming arraignment on Tuesday following multiple felony charges in 2024 and an active probation period lasting until June 2028.
The players
Ashley Frankum
She is a 38-year-old suspect who was apprehended by police following an attempted vehicle theft.
The details
Witnesses identified Frankum at a homeless camp near Eighth and Harrison streets shortly after the incident at 1300 San Pablo Ave. Officers recovered a realistic-looking BB gun that the suspect allegedly used to threaten the driver while she was pumping gas.
Timeline
2015: Frankum received an assault with a deadly weapon conviction.
2024: Frankum was charged in three separate felony cases.
October 24, 2026: Berkeley reported 136 robberies year to date.
October 29, 2026: The attempted carjacking occurred at 3:30 p.m.
June 2028: Probation period for Frankum ends.
Legal Context
This attempted carjacking follows a pattern established by the 136 robberies reported in Berkeley through October 24, 2026. The city is currently tracking an 8% decrease in total robberies compared to previous reporting periods.
Residents and local business owners should remain aware of their surroundings when using public gas stations. Authorities continue to monitor high-traffic areas following this attempted incident.
The takeaway
Maintaining situational awareness while pumping gas can provide crucial seconds to react during a threat. Victims of similar attempts should prioritize personal safety by fleeing immediately and contacting law enforcement.
What happens next
Ashley Frankum is set for arraignment on Tuesday.
Further reading
For more information on local trends, visit the Property Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Berkeley Scanner.
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