Oakland, CA. – The Oakland Police Department (OPD) is providing several updates to the previous information released related to the events of November 3, 2020, regarding an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS), and the armed robbery/burglary caravans that targeted Oakland that same evening.
Update on OIS:
OPD is releasing the identity of the deceased male involved in the OIS, as Oakland resident Jonathan Torres Ramirez, a male adult, 20 years old.
OPD wants our community to know that it is tragic and traumatic whenever a life is lost in our city. We recognize that any time there is an OIS, regardless of the events that precipitate it, the loss of life impacts the families and members of our community. Our department extends sympathy and support to the family and community members suffering the loss of a loved one.
Additionally, there were four OPD officers injured during this event, three officers received medical treatment and have all been released from the hospital. The fourth officer was treated at the scene. The officers are also being provided with support as they recover from their injuries sustained during this event.
OPD wants to reassure our community that consistent with Departmental policy, this OIS is being investigated both internally and by independent entities. The Oakland Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division and Internal Affairs Division are responsible for conducting concurrent separate investigations to ensure criminal and administrative accountability respectively. Independent investigations are also being conducted by the Alameda County District Attorney's Office and the Community Police Review Agency (CPRA).
Background on the event involving the OIS previously released: On November 3, 2020, at 10:15 PM, Oakland Police Officers interrupted the attempted burglary/robbery of a cannabis grow inside a commercial building in the 1400 block of 92nd Avenue. Officers attempted to detain those involved. Some of the occupants fled the area on foot and in vehicles. During this incident, an OPD officer discharged their firearm fatally striking Ramirez. Additionally, three OPD officers were struck and injured by involved vehicles. The injured officers were treated at a local hospital and have since been released. Oakland Police Officers arrested over a dozen individuals and recovered nine firearms during this incident.
Update on the incidents and impacts of the roaming caravans of armed robbers/burglars:
As previously outlined https://www.oaklandca.gov/news/2020/oakland-police-department-investigating-officer-involved-shooting-and-crime-spree-in-oakland the Oakland Police Department responded to multiple incidents where roving teams of armed robbers caravanned across our city and the region targeting businesses with high-value consumer goods, including cannabis businesses, pharmacies, electronics stores, and other retail merchants.
During this time, OPD was inundated with 88 priority calls from 9:00 PM until 3:00 AM the next morning. Calls for service related to these caravans, some of whom split up, resulted in numerous Priority responses. Those responses included: Shootings, ShotSpotter activations, armed robberies, burglaries, reported kidnappings, as well as traumatic threats to life safety. This is highly problematic as officers were not able to immediately respond to many other Priority calls, as all resources were focused on the many traumatic threats to life and public safety unfolding in our city.
OPD is committed and diligently working on strategies with our local and state law enforcement partners to stop these reckless and violent armed caravans targeting our city and region, endangering all Oaklanders. Due to these intentional acts, OPD resources become depleted and stretched thin which delays response times and interrupts police services. The Oakland Police Department wants to assure our community members, and those visiting Oakland, that your safety is paramount.
OPD encourages residents and business owners to consider installing security cameras as well as alarms. These technologies can both deter crime and help solve crimes after they occur. https://www.oaklandca.gov/services/security-alarm-and-camera-services
#OPDCARES initiative is about working together as a community to help stop the tragic loss of life and reduce the level of violence in our city. Collectively, we want to ensure Oaklanders and our visitors are safe in our community.