Suspect Identified in Officer-Involved Shooting; 9-1-1 Calls Released

Union City police have identified a man shot and killed by officers Saturday as 46-year-old Vergel Ricafrente Worrell. 

According to the Union City Police Department, officers responded to the 32600 block of Kenita Way near Medallion Drive at about 2:30 p.m. after receiving a flood of 9-1-1 calls about a gunman walking around the neighborhood and randomly discharging a firearm.

Worrell reportedly fired 10 to 15 shots in the area.

Witnesses told police that Worrell was incoherent and screaming profanities.

In a 9-1-1 calls released Tuesday, one frantic caller said the suspect was firing a shotgun and shouting “f--k the FBI” and “kill me now.” Another caller said she was driving down the street and was almost hit by gunfire.

Responding officers, including a hostage negotiator and an officer specializing in persons with mental illness, attempted to calm Worrell down but he refused to cooperate, police said.

Worrell eventually pointed a handgun at officers, causing officers to open fire on him.

Worrell was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police are continuing to investigate the case and determine a motive for Worrell’s behavior.

Officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave per department policy while the shooting is investigated by the Union City Police Department and the Alameda County District Attorney’s office.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Union City Police Department at 510-471-1365. Anonymous tips can also be left at 510-675-5207.