For Immediate Release June 29, 2022
OPD News:
Chief Armstrong Provides an Update on the Fatal Sideshow-Related Collision
The Oakland Police Department (OPD) wants to provide additional information from this past weekend’s fatal sideshow-related collision and the open internal investigation into the actions of the OPD involved officers.
Chief LeRonne L. Armstrong is not able to address any allegations of misconduct in accordance with California State Law and OPD’s policy which prohibits anyone from the Department to discuss an open internal investigation.
As Chief Armstrong stated during a news conference on Monday, he immediately opened an internal administrative investigation into this tragic incident and proactively placed two OPD officers on administrative leave.
As the investigation continued, very serious allegations of potential misconduct were discovered, leading the Chief to relieve one officer of their police powers on Monday and the second officer on Tuesday.
Chief Armstrong is outraged by the egregious actions of Arnold Linaldi and his blatant disregard for the law. Prior to the fatal collision, Linaldi was involved in illegal sideshow-related activity and was driving nearly 100 miles an hour, while operating within the designated bus lane. Linaldi later lost control of his vehicle, causing the collision that led to the unfortunate death of Lolomanaia Soakai and injuring three others.
This case is being investigated by OPD Homicide Division, OPD Internal Affairs Division, and the Oakland Community Police Review Agency (CPRA).
The Department is consulting with the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office regarding any potential culpability of the officers. This is standard protocol with any incident where there is a loss of life.
Traffic safety is a major concern for the City of Oakland. This incident occurred a little more than a week after the unfortunate death of Dmitry Putilov, who was fatally struck while riding his bicycle alongside his two young children. Putilov’s death was also as a result of a speeding motorist.