She owed her roommate money, so he barricaded her inside her Oakland bedroom, police say

OAKLAND — A 60-year-old woman was barricaded into her bedroom by her roommate over an unpaid debt, and was only able to free herself by tossing a key to a friend who entered the home and got her out, according to police.

Now, the woman’s 70-year-old roommate has been charged with felony false imprisonment. Police allege the Oakland man was so angry over the money, he wedged a heavy metal shelf in front of her door, blocking her into the bedroom of the Nicole Avenue home they both share. The woman has arthritis and had no means of getting out other than calling her friend, authorities said in court filings.

The man hasn’t yet had a court appearance, records show. He was charged with false imprisonment and an enhancement for allegedly victimizing a “vulnerable” person. The incident occurred on Jan. 14.

After she was freed, the woman called police, who came to the home and arrested the 70-year-old man. He is no longer in custody, records show.