An Oakland police officer, Tuan Le, was shot and killed while responding to a burglary at a marijuana dispensary in Oakland, California.
Driving the news: The burglary occurred near Jack London Square, and it was the second reported burglary at the same business within a few hours.
- Officer Tuan Le, who was in plainclothes and driving an unmarked car, was shot by one of the suspects as officers arrived at the scene.
- Despite being rushed to the hospital, Officer Le was pronounced dead about four hours after the shooting.
- No officers returned fire, and no arrests have been made yet. However, investigators are following up on significant evidence.
What they’re saying: Interim Police Chief Darren Allison acknowledged the sacrifices and dangers that come with the profession and stated, “Sadly, today, one of our officers paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
- Officer Tuan Le was a community resource officer in West Oakland, having graduated from the police academy in 2020. He was remembered for his kindness, smile, and dedication to making the community safer.
- The Oakland Police Officers’ Association expressed determination to bring the perpetrator to justice, calling the killing a senseless act of violence.
- This incident marks the 54th death of an Oakland officer in the line of duty, occurring during a rise in violent crime driven by robberies using firearms.