For Immediate Release: March 8, 2021
OPD NEWS:
On Saturday, there was illegal sideshow activity in the City of Oakland. City leaders granted OPD funds for additional resources to focus on deterring and responding to illegal sideshows.
At 4:00 pm., 20-30 vehicles took part in sideshow activity in the area of 5th and Adeline Streets. The sideshow relocated to Leimert Boulevard and Oakmore Road where the crowd grew to upwards of 50 vehicles. At this location, there were multiple gunshots fired and bullet casings recovered as the group left the area.
At 11:30 pm., the sideshow activity continued with 200-300 cars gathered in the area of 45th and Market Streets. For the safety of our community, OPD deployed the helicopter ARGUS to the area to safely monitor the illegal event from the air. By 12:15 am., officers were able to move the group out of the area.
Officers in ARGUS observed and pinpointed specific vehicles driving recklessly as the small group continued to roam throughout Oakland. Officers made precision stops, issuing citations, and towing four vehicles with 30 day holds, arresting one, and recovering one firearm.
This was the second week in a row that OPD used additional resources to deter sideshows. The previous sideshow details were eliminated last year due to budget cuts.
OPD will continue working with city leaders to find the best means to deter illegal sideshows in Oakland.