An Oakland transit officer who allegedly shot an unarmed train passenger on New Year's Day was arrested Tuesday afternoon in Douglas County on a warrant in connection with the case, the San Francisco Chronicle reported late Tuesday.
The Chronicle states Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy Steve Velez confirmed that Johannes Mehserle, 27, was taken into custody Tuesday. Velez declined to reveal what the charge was in the warrant, according to the Chronicle.
Douglas County Jail personnel confirmed Tuesday night that Mehserle was booked into the jail without bail at 7 p.m. on a fugitive warrant from California.
Sheriff Ron Pierini could not be reached by the Nevada Appeal for comment.
The Oakland Tribune and KTVU-TV also reported the arrest.
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 today, the Chronicle reported.