Multiple people shot at Lake Merritt Juneteenth celebration in Oakland
OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) — Multiple people were shot following a Juneteenth celebration at Lake Merritt in Oakland on Wednesday night, the Oakland Police Department said.
There are no known fatalities, OPD said.
Juneteenth celebrations took place throughout the day, and they were peaceful until about 8:15 p.m., Paul Chambers with OPD said. An illegal sideshow broke out at Bellevue Avenue and Grand Avenue at that time.
The sideshow involved multiple cars and motorbikes. Down the street from the sideshow, a fight broke out at around 8:45 p.m. As a crowd began heading toward it, multiple shots rang out, per OPD.
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OPD officers jumped into action and attempted to escort people to safety, according to Chambers. Multiple officers were pushed and struck in the face, resulting in minor injuries, according to police. One person was arrested for assaulting an officer.
No arrests have been made in connection to the shooting as of 1:30 a.m. Thursday. Authorities are working to determine if there was one shooter or multiple shooters.
OPD does not know exactly how many people were shot. Several victims were transported to the hospital by medical personnel, and other victims arrived at area hospitals through private transportation.
About 5,000 people celebrated Juneteenth at the lake on Wednesday. Police said the events at and around the lake were not sanctioned.
OPD had 28 officers and four sergeants on hand. There was a heavy police presence in the area after the shooting.
Anyone with information, including photos or videos that may assist the investigation, is asked to contact the OPD Felony Assault Unit at (510)-238-3426.
This is a developing story. Stick with KRON4 for updates.
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