For Immediate Release October 3, 2023
OPD NEWS:
Seven Arrested After Auto Burglary Suppression
The Oakland Police Department (OPD) is currently investigating multiple cases related to the Department’s Auto Burglary Suppression Strategy.
On September 28, 2023, OPD undercover officers conducted auto burglary suppression in East and West Oakland.
Officers assigned to the Violent Crime Operations Center (VCOC), as well as the Community Resource Officer (CRO) Unit, observed two individuals exiting a vehicle and conducting an auto burglary in the 3300 block of Grand Avenue. OPD helicopter “ARGUS” and officers on the ground followed the vehicle to the 600 block of Potter Street. After a foot pursuit officers arrested the two individuals.
In the second case, VCOC and CRO officers observed two individuals cutting off a catalytic converter from a parked vehicle. When officers attempted to intervene, the two individuals fled in their stolen vehicle and intentionally rammed an OPD unmarked police vehicle, narrowly striking an undercover officer. With the assistance of ARGUS, officers tracked the vehicle to the 100 block of 8th Street. Following a foot pursuit, both individuals were taken into custody. Inside the vehicle, officers found three catalytic converters along with power tools.
The third investigation was conducted by officers assigned to the Ceasefire Division. Officers observed three occupants of a vehicle looking into other vehicles. Officers followed the vehicle out of the area and discovered that it had a license plate that was not registered to the vehicle. Ceasefire officers attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop; however, the vehicle fled. ARGUS followed the vehicle to the 4500 block of Macarthur Boulevard, where officers arrested three individuals and recovered two firearms, one of which had a high-capacity magazine. Additionally, items from previous auto burglaries and burglary tools were found inside the vehicle, which was determined to be stolen.
In total, seven people were arrested thanks to the collaborative efforts of OPD officers assigned to the VCOC, Ceasefire, ARGUS, CRO, and Criminal Investigation Division (CID). The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office charged six of the individuals for their involvement in the crimes.
