Latino Man Killed by BART & Oakland Police Near Fruitvale BART Saturday Morning, July 17

From the Oakland Police Department, Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums and BART officials

On July 17, 2010, at 8:12 am, Oakland Police Dispatch Center received a 911 call stating that there was a male, who was armed, in the 3200 block of E12th Street. OPD dispatchers notified BART Police Department of the information received from the caller. BART PD had two officers in the area and made contact with the subject matching the description given by dispatchers. The man ran from the BART officers and they gave chase northbound on 34th Avenue. Oakland Police Officers caught up with BART PD and attempted to Taser the male, but were unsuccessful. The subject continued to run westbound on E16th Street and he turned southbound on 33rd Avenue. Oakland Police Officers tried to Taser the subject on 33rd Avenue with no effect. The subject, armed with two knives, attempted to charge at one of the officers. Multiple officers discharged their firearms at the suspect, striking him.

American Medical Response and Oakland Fire Department responded to the scene where the subject was pronounced dead. The adult male has not been identified.

Oakland Homicide Investigators, Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, Oakland Police Department Internal Affairs and BART Internal Affairs responded to conduct the administrative investigation. The Oakland Police Department is the lead agency in the criminal investigation.

Anyone with information concerning this incident is urged to contact the Oakland Police Homicide Section at (510) 238-3821.

Mayor Ronald Dellums said, "Anytime there is a loss of life, it is a matter of great concern and sadness for us all. It is extremely important that we as a community continue to work together in order to provide a safe and secure environment. Therefore, a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding this death has begun."

BART Board of Directors Vice President Bob Franklin and Board Member Carole Ward Allen issued a joint statement saying, "The loss of life under any circumstance is truly an unfortunate and regrettable event The BART Police Department is cooperating fully with the Oakland Police Department who has the lead in the investigation into today's officer involved shooting. We have immediately launched a separate but parallel administrative investigation as well to ensure this incident is thoroughly investigated in a transparent manner."

For more information, please contact the Media Relations Office at 510.238.7230 or opdmedia [at] oaklandnet.com .