Update: Off-duty Oakland Police sergeant shoots, kills armed suspect near City Hall
An off-duty Oakland Police sergeant on his way to work shot and killed an armed suspect near City Hall early Tuesday morning, police said.
Multiple police vehicles and officers surrounded the area surrounding Frank Ogawa Plaza and the vicinity of 16th Street and San Pablo Avenue beginning at about 4:15 a.m.
Oakland Police said in a press statement that officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation and found a person who had been shot. A preliminary investigation indicated an OPD sergeant came across an armed who approached his vehicle, according to police.
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, and responding officers recovered a firearm and multiple casings of different calibers, police said.
The events that led up to the sergeant firing his duty firearm were not disclosed by the department, saying the investigation remained ongoing. The sergeant was not injured and he was placed on paid administrative leave.
Aside from the police investigation, the shooting will be reviewed by the Alameda County District Attorney's Office and the Community Police Review Agency. Police said the release of information was limited to ensure the integrity of the investigation. The department said more details will be shared as soon as the investigative process allows and in compliance with the law.
One local business owner who went by the name Rami said he appreciated the police response to the shooting.
"Roped off, several cop cars. Uh, it's not uncommon to see whenever there's a crime," said Rami. "Their quick response is also not uncommon. You know, people think that they take forever to kind of come out on calls. I've only had the opposite experience. I can't thank the police enough. I think their presence does make a difference."
