Police are investigating after five people were hospitalized in a mass shooting at an Oakland sideshow early Sunday morning. Velena Jones reports.
Five people were hospitalized in a mass shooting at a sideshow in Oakland early Sunday morning.
The shooting took place just before 3:45 a.m. at Fruitvale Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard and the department's communications division received reports of five shooting victims arriving at different hospitals.
The five victims were last listed in stable condition, according to preliminary investigations, police said.
Preliminary investigations allegedly revealed that the victims were at an illegal sideshow when the shootings occurred, according to police.
Businesses in Oakland's Diamond District told NBC Bay Area on Monday that they are sick and tired of sideshow skidmarks and shooting.
"We saw some shell casings. Businesses were afraid to open," said Hamza Ghalib, owner of the Mohka House.
One security video showed hundreds of people gathering at the intersection of Fruitvale and MacArthur. While a different video angle showed the chaos as gunfire erupts and people start people running and hiding behind cars and trees.
On one video, you hear what sounds like more than 20 shots fired. Five people were shot and gunfire also hit the top of at least two nearby businesses.
“I feel like Oakland is becoming more of a safe haven for these crooks, right? Given that there's no repercussions or consequences going to take place. They come out with their guns blazing,” Ghalib said.
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Other business owners like Jose Ortiz said they are fed up and thinking of living in the area.
“People don't want to invest money. For what? You are endangering your life and endangering the lives of your staff, just to try to make some living,” he said.
The city of Oakland recently added some traffic measures in some areas in hopes of detour sideshows.
Judith Klinger, a member of the Diamond Improvement District said she wants to see similar solutions in the area.
“Super, duper frustrating. We have these sideshows up and down MacArthur here in our neighborhood in the Diamond. And I live where right close to a big intersection, where we can hear the sideshows and they completely interrupt our quality of life,” she said.
Under an ordinance passed last year, organizers and promoters of sideshows could face six months of jail time or fines up to $5,000. Those who participate could also have their vehicles impounded if caught.
It’s a rule Oakland councilmember Noel Gallo said needs strict enforcement.
“The laws are very clear that you cannot come here and destroy my streets and my city crosswalks. But I need the police presence,” he said.
As of Monday evening, there was no word on any arrests, citations or suspect descriptions.
The Oakland Police Department is asking that anyone with information contact the Homicide Section at (510) 238-3821 or the tip line at (510) 238-7950. Additionally, the department is looking for any videos or photos related to the incident be sent to cidvideos@oaklandca.gov.
