By San Francisco Chronicle staff writers Jaxon Van Derbeken, Andrew Ross and Christopher Heredia:

The BART police officer who fatally shot an unarmed man on an Oakland train platform and then refused to explain his actions to investigators was arrested Tuesday in Nevada on suspicion of murder, authorities said.
Johannes Mehserle, 27, was arrested in the New Year’s Day shooting of Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old supermarket worker from Hayward who was lying facedown after being pulled off a BART train by police investigating a fight. An Alameda County judge signed an arrest warrant alleging murder, and Mehserle surrendered without incident, authorities said.
The shooting, which was recorded by passengers in videos widely circulated on the Internet and television, prompted public outrage, and some viewers said that the shooting appeared to be an execution.
Sources said Mehserle was in Nevada because he feared for his safety after death threats were made against him. Douglas County is 15 miles south of Carson City in northwestern Nevada and includes part of Lake Tahoe.
Grant’s family has filed a $25 million legal claim against BART, signaling an intention to sue for damages. The family’s attorney, John Burris, said late Tuesday that he was pleased to hear of Mehserle’s arrest.
“If it’s true, the family is delighted, and it will really help with the healing process,” Burris said. “This is also very important for the community. This had to occur; it was almost a no-brainer. I think the district attorney ought to be commended for moving (the case) expeditiously.” LINK
i am glad that they are finally doing the right thing and arresting the officer. time will only tell if they will actually convict him though.
Sandra, please be sure to keep us updated on this story as it developes. Thanks!
this is great to hear…
it should be tried for murder, and i hope they make a sissy of his azz when he get to jail.
you cant just resign and think it will all go away boyyyyy!!
Thankyou Jesus!
Sadly – justice has to be served…even though it seems he was just a rookie who got scared and a little trigger happy. A life has still been lost, and he will have to pay somehow, someway. I wonder why he thought by resigning this would all go away?
Now if they can get him convicted, maybe the city can heal.
Okay he was arrested now lets see if he gets tried.
He went to Nevada because he feared for his life…I’m sure Oscar was fearing for his life too as he was lying there face-down…so sad.
I never realized that one of the cops involved was ethiopian/ eritrean (based on the name), just wow.
What about the other officers involved? Will they be arrested and tried as accesories to the crime?
@ Karaz I don’t think that they should because they had no idea that this guy was going to pull out his gun and shoot him.
I am glad he got arrested now make sure a jury convicts him.
I’m happy about this, but history tells me he wont’ spend a day a jail.
Finally! hopefully he’ll be tried and convicted.
Great news! Now lets get that conviction!
This story really touched me. I cried and cried and I just can not cry no more. I am trying my best to start a donation for the Grant family. I know that everyone is going through financial crisis but even if it a $5 dollar money order plase send it to the following address.
Donations for Oscar Grant’s family can be sent to Wanda Johnson, the mother of Oscar grant, c/o Ella Baker Center at 344 40th Street, Oakland, CA 94609
Someone in my family asked me why I was doing this if I did not know Oscar Grant III. We have to unite as one! He was a nurturing father, an active member of the church and a man with integrity. Last but not least, he had the most beautiful smile.
Thank you Aunty Sandra for posting this info.
just think if people didnt record this, he would be free….
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Somebody hold my mule while I shout.
Another protest is scheduled for today at 4:00 pm PT, on behalf of this wrongful killing. Pleas believe B/c an arrest has been made will not stop people from standing up for what they believe in. Hopefully the march/protest will be peaceful.
IT’S ABOUT TIME!!! they know how people on the west coast acts if there’s NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE!!!