An Oakland Housing Authority officer was shot in a gunfight that also injured a suspect early Monday morning in the city's downtown area, according to authorities.
The shootout reportedly occurred just before 1 a.m. at an apartment complex in the area of 85th Avenue in the city's Woodland neighborhood, west of International Boulevard.
Oakland police closed off 85th Avenue from G Street to East Street and G Street from 85th Avenue to 86th Avenue while they investigated.
According to investigators, OHA officers were conducting a vehicle enforcement stop of a man on a two-wheeler motor vehicle.
Several residents told NBC Bay Area on Monday that they woke up to the sound of more than half a dozen gunshots.
Oakland resident Regina, who asked not to be on camera, she was still shaken as she described what she heard and saw.
“All of a sudden, I hear people screaming, yelling and then, I hear the shots and it’s like ‘What is happening?’” she said.
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Oakland police said the incident escalated after the suspect tried to ride off but crashed his motor vehicle. The armed suspect then fled into the complex.
“Once inside, the complex appears the individual fired multiple rounds from an assault rifle at the officers, striking one,” said Oakland police Deputy Chief Frederick Shavies. “And two additional officers who were on the scene returned fire, striking the suspect at least once.”
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Police said both the officer and suspect were being treated at the hospital.
Authorities weren’t releasing any more details of the people involved or why the Housing Authority officers made the initial traffic stop.
OPD said it doesn’t believe the suspect was a resident and plan to interview the person soon.
Regina and other residents said they would like more answers and more security.
“I would really love for that to happen,” Regina said. “Maybe having more police officers around in this area, having more security and yes, that would be something I’d really appreciate.”
Both the Oakland police and Housing Authority said they will be back at the complex to talk to residents about safety concerns but emphasize. At this point, they do not believe there is any more direct danger related to this shooting.
