The Oakland Police Department wishes to make you aware of two excellent examples of police work which occurred yesterday. In one instance, officers steadfastly continued an ongoing investigation to intercede and impact violence by safely serving a high-risk search warrant, and in another, officers heroically intervened to prevent a suicide.
On May 16, 2012 at 6:34 PM the Oakland Police Department responded to the 700 block of Madison Street on a report of a man who was on top of a three-story building and threatening suicide.
Officers located a male adult who was sitting at the edge of the roof top and appeared to be distressed. Officers observed the male had what appeared to be one end of a bed sheet wrapped around his neck and the other end tied to a drain pipe.
As officers repeatedly tried to talk the male away from the edge of the building, the man pushed himself off the edge of the roof in an attempt to take his own life. In a plan developed to intervene, and in disregard to their own safety, officers pulled the struggling man back to safety. He received medical attention and was held pending a psychiatric hold.
The officers’ swift, coordinated efforts undoubtedly saved a persons life. They each have been recommended for commendation.
Also on May 16, 2012 at 5:00 PM, the Oakland Police Department Gang Gun Intelligence Task Force (GGITF) safely served a search warrant at a commercial building in the 900 block of 76th Avenue. As a result of this intelligence based operation, a total of two people were arrested. In addition to the arrests, officers seized a total of 16 illegally possessed firearms as well as ammunition.
Chief Howard Jordan said, “Anytime we remove illegal guns and criminals off our streets, it is a successful operation.” The Oakland Police Department and the City of Oakland is committed to reducing crime in our City. This is one of the largest illegal gun recoveries within the city at one time.
The case remains under investigation; additional details regarding the seizure may be made available soon.
