At least three people were killed and at least 11 others were wounded by gunfire during a bloody weekend around the Bay Area.
The most violent incident occurred on Saturday evening when gunfire erupted at a Juneteenth celebration at Oakland’s Lake Merritt.
“On June 19, a large crowd of 5,000 people gathered at Lake Merritt,” Oakland Police stated in an update. “Due to the large crowd gathering and vehicle traffic, OPD directed resources (Illegal Sideshow detail) to the area to monitor for public safety. At 6:22 p.m., a shooting occurred in the 2200 block of Lakeshore Avenue. At this time, six victims suffered gunshot wounds, five males ranging from ages 16-27 and one female, age 21-years-old. One male, age 22 of San Francisco, was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The other five victims are reported to be in stable condition.”
Video of the mayhem captured a chaotic scene with people running for cover during what was supposed to be a peaceful and festive occasion to mark Juneteenth.
“Immediately after the shooting, Oakland Police Officers observed two men running from the scene with firearms,” police continued. “Both men have been arrested and two firearms recovered. Currently, the Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Investigation Unit will determine if the individuals are connected/responsible for this shooting.”
Police said on Sunday a seventh victim, identified as an adult female, walked into a local hospital with “a gunshot injury related to the earlier shooting that occurred in the 2200 block of Lakeshore Avenue,” according to investigators. “She was listed in stable condition.”
“Crime Stoppers of Oakland and the Oakland Police Department are offering up to $40,000 for information leading to the arrest(s) in this case,” officers stated. A motive is unknown. Police said the shooting was unrelated to the Juneteenth celebration.
Video of the scene shared after the shooting showed a large crowd blocking an ambulance from responding to the emergency. One member of the crowd hopped onto the roof of the ambulance and began dancing, bringing it to a stop. A crowd surrounded the vehicle, preventing it from moving, and some were also dancing beside it.
“We encourage anyone with information, video footage, or photos to contact OPD’s Homicide Division at (510) 238-3821,” police stated.
In San Francisco, police said two people were killed in early morning shootings Saturday. One man was found with gunshot wounds on Navy Rd. in the city’s Hunter’s Point area just after midnight. Another victim was shot along Eddy St. in the Tenderloin around 4 a.m., police stated.
“Anyone with information that could help our investigators solve these 2 homicides which occurred in the Tenderloin & the Bayview overnight is encouraged to call our tip line at (415) 575-4444,” San Francisco investigators tweeted. “You can remain anonymous.”
In San Jose, police also responded to a series of shootings early Saturday which injured four people.
“Units are currently at the scene of a triple shooting in the 300 Block of S. 1st St.” San Jose Police shared at 12:04 a.m. Saturday. “Two male victims and one female victim with NON-life threatening injuries. Unknown suspect/motive. Additional info when it becomes available.
Soon after that, police responded to another shooting near the intersection of Post St and Market St. in San Jose. Police said one adult male suffered a non-life threatening injury.