Officer Tuan Le (courtesy of Oakland PD)
He was identified as 36-year-old Officer Tuan Le.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Officer Tuan Le, a dedicated public servant, loving husband, and a cherished member of the Oakland community,” the police department said in a statement.
Allison said a team of officers was dedicated to a burglary operation at a cannabis business in the 400 block of Embarcadero after receiving a report around 1 a.m. of a burglary in progress. When officers arrived, they cleared the scene, but then at around 4:43 a.m., they received another report of a burglary in progress at the same business.
During the response, one of the suspects fired a gun several times, striking the plainclothed officer as he was driving in an unmarked vehicle.
“We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the officer’s friends, family and loved ones. Our prayers and support are with them as they navigate through this challenging period,” said Allison.
The incident marks the 54th officer killed in the police department’s 170-year history.
Sgt. Mark Dunakin and Officer John Hege were shot and killed by 26-year-old Lovelle Mixon during the stop. The suspect then barricaded himself inside an apartment and when a SWAT team went in after him, he shot two members, Sgt. Erv Romans and Sgt. Dan Sakai. Mixon was shot and killed by police.
“For the past two years, Officer Le served as the Community Resource Officer (CRO) in West Oakland, where he devoted himself to strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the residents of Oakland. His tireless efforts in fostering positive relationships made a lasting impact.”
“This senseless murder of a police officer, one of the guardians of our beautiful city, will not stand,” Thao said. “Oakland will work tirelessly with all of our law enforcement partners for those responsible for this assault on our city and the killing of our officer.”
“The deadly violence that we have experienced in Oakland in recent years has no place in Alameda County. The murder of this young officer is inexcusable,” said Price. She added that her office “stands ready to prosecute whoever is responsible and hold them accountable for killing this officer.”
Around 5:15 a.m., entire blocks of the Embarcadero were shut down. Traffic was diverted along the Embarcadero, and only officers were allowed through. The California Highway Patrol also closed northbound Interstate 880 at 5th Avenue and the southbound 16th Avenue off-ramps.
An OPD chopper circled the area along the Embarcadero throughout the morning.
As news spread of the officer’s death, support poured in from outside law enforcement agencies.
