OAKLAND, Calif. " The former Bay Area Rapid Transit police office who fatally shot an unarmed man on an Oakland train platform on New Year's Day has reportedly been arrested in Douglas County.
Deputy Steve Velez of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office in Nevada told the San Francisco Chronicle on Tuesday night that 27-year-old Johannes Mehserle was arrested on undisclosed charges.
The Oakland Tribune and KTVU-TV also reported the arrests.
A dispatcher at the sheriff's office declined to comment on the report, saying Sheriff Ron Pierini would make a statement Wednesday. The arrest was confirmed to the newspapers by David Chai, chief of staff to Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums.
Witnesses say Mehserle shot 22-year-old Oscar Grant in the back while he was lying facedown. The shooting was captured on video and has led to protests.
Alameda County District Attorney Tom Orloff is expected to announce details of the arrest Wednesday, the Chronicle reported.