An Oakland officer was shot and killed in the line of duty Friday morning.
The suspects responsible for his death remain at large.
“As we mourn, rest assured that we are also determined to bring this cop killer to justice,” Oakland Police Officers’ Association President Barry Donelan said.
The officer was identified as Officer Tuan Le.
“Officer Le was surrounded by his wife, mother, and members of his OPD family when he died. He is a true hero who dedicated his life to making our community safer,” the Oakland Police Department wrote.
Le was 36 years old.
Mayor Sheng Thao said, “This senseless act of violence against a member of our police force, the guardians of our City, will not go unanswered. Oakland will collaboratively and tirelessly work with our law enforcement partners at the local, state, and federal levels to identify and bring
to justice those responsible for this assault on our city and the tragic loss of our officer.”
According to the police union, on Friday, around 1 a.m., Le was in a tram of Burglary Suppression Unit officers who were dispatched to a burglary in progress at a cannabis dispensary near Jack London Square.
The burglars weren’t caught, the team “cleared the scene” and officers left the area, interim police chief Darren Allison said.
A second burglary unfolded at the same business at around 4:30 a.m. Le returned to the scene with a second officer.
While driving his unmarked OPD vehicle to the second burglary incident, Le was fatally shot.
The gunman was running with several other people who darted out of the business, investigators said. “They began shooting at plain-clothed officers,” OPD wrote.
Several burglary suspects were seen running from the area and evaded capture, according to police.
Police officers never returned gunfire, Allison added.
The wounded officer was rushed to Highland Hospital.
Donelan said, “I am proud of the officers who responded this morning and carried their brother to the hospital on their shoulders. Their actions personified what it means to be an Oakland police officer.”
At 8:44 a.m., Le succumbed to his injuries, with family members and OPD officers by his side.
“The dangers and demands of this profession are real. One of our officers paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Allison said.
Le is the 54th Oakland Police Department officer killed in the line of duty.
OPD wrote, “His tireless efforts in fostering positive relationships made a lasting impact. His passing leaves a void in the law enforcement community, the city of Oakland, and in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be remembered for his kindness, his smile, and the positive change he brought to the lives of those around him.”
The FBI’s San Francisco office wrote on X, “Today, we mourn the loss of the Oakland Police Department hero who died in the line of duty while working to keep Oakland safe. Our condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officer, whose sacrifice shall not be forgotten.”
Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price pledged to prosecute the officer’s killer once arrests have been made. Price said, “The murder of this young officer is inexcusable.”
Price continued, “Today, an Oakland Police Officer lost his life in a deadly shooting. This is a tremendous tragedy for our entire community and extremely traumatizing for our law enforcement partners. The deadly violence that we have experienced in Oakland in recent years has no place in Alameda County. My office stands ready to prosecute whoever is responsible and hold them accountable.”
No arrests have been made. Anyone with information to could help OPD’s investigation is urged to call the homicide unit at 510-238-3821, or the tip line at 510-238-7950.
