Community Members Assist Police in Arresting a Suspected Drunk Driver Who Critically Injured Two Children

OPD News: September 10, 2021

The Oakland Police Department is investigating a traffic collision that occurred on September 9, 2021, just after 8:30 PM, in the area of 38^th Avenue and International Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers discovered three vehicles were involved in the crash. One child was ejected from one of the involved vehicles.

The preliminary investigation indicates that a minivan with nine victims was traveling northbound on 38^th Avenue approaching International Boulevard. At that same time, a Pontiac G6 was traveling eastbound on International Boulevard in the bus lane at a high rate of speed. Through video surveillance, evidence, and witness statements, it appears that the Pontiac G6 ran the red light as the minivan was traveling through the intersection. The Pontiac G6 collided with the minivan. The force of the impact caused two children to be ejected from the minivan. The Pontiac G6 came to a stop after colliding with a third parked vehicle which was occupied.

The Oakland Fire Department and Falck Ambulance arrived at the scene and rendered emergency aid. In all 10 people were transported to area hospitals. Six of those injured were children in the minivan. The nine-year-old who was ejected is listed in critical condition with severe head trauma.

The driver of the Pontiac G6 attempted to leave the area on foot after the collision. Thankfully, residents in the area were able to detain him until OPD officers arrived on the scene.

It appears alcohol is a factor in this collision. The driver of the Pontiac G6 is being held for DUI and hit and run.

This incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oakland Police Department Traffic Investigation Unit at (510) 777-8570.

To reduce and deter excessive speeding on our main thoroughfares, OPD has held 10 Traffic Safety Special Operations in East Oakland within the last 12 months. The most recent Traffic Safety Operations occurred on August 27^th and September 3^rd. Working with Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, OPD issued 35 citations ranging from DUI arrests to Cellphone violations.

We ask our community members to continue reaching out and informing OPD regarding excessive speeding across the city.