For Immediate Release August 15, 2022
OPD News:
Firearms and Illegal Drugs Recovered After OPD Implements New Downtown Safety Strategy
As we continue our dedication to the safety and security of our residents, visitors, and businesses of Oakland, the Oakland Police Department (OPD) increased our presence in the Downtown area this past weekend. This effort is to reduce a large amount of illegal activity occurring in the area, including shootings and homicides over the last few months.
After this recent surge in crime in the Downtown area, Chief LeRonne L. Armstrong immediately implemented a safety strategy bringing in other city partners. OPD and Code enforcement shut down and cited multiple illegal pop-up vendors. Officers confiscated alcohol, marijuana, and what appears to be psychedelic mushrooms at one pop-up, arresting two and recovering two firearms at this location.
For the safety of our community, OPD is requesting that food vendors relocate their businesses off the Broadway corridor in the coming weeks. OPD will continue providing higher visibility in the area on weekends.
We will continue working with club owners/promoters and other city partners on ways to keep the area safe for people to enjoy the beauty of Downtown Oakland.