Very sad day for us in East Bay, CA

orca8589

orca8589

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Jan 27, 2007
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We've had a busy day at home today, not much time for the computer. I just logged on to the news tonight, and found out that three Oakland (CA) Policeman were killed today; one killed in a traffic stop & two others killed later trying to arrest the shooter. I used to work not far from where it happened, and I knew a lot of the PD guys there. I'm hoping & praying it's not anyone I know, although I feel for the LEO's & family just as much, even if I don't know them.

There was a community effort a few years ago to get a new precinct set up in that general area, and I left my job for another part of the Bay Area, so I was gone before it opened up. The new precinct (East Oakland) opened up in 2003 or 2004. I have the utmost respect for the cops there - they have an incredibly tough, dangerous job. That precinct, and the whole Oakland PD, is hit really hard by this, I'm sure.

The spirits of those who would go in harms way to protect all of us, here at home, are hurting tonight. For those of you of faith, any faith, I would humbly ask for your prayers for these guys.

And a huge thank you to you guys who make us safe - soldiers, policemen, firemen, medics, evac flyers, whoever you are, thank you.

thx - cpr
 
Truly a sad day Orca. Oakland has some real issues, go there on business about 4 times a year, and am amazed at how fast the neighborhoods change while driving. LEO's are a special breed and deserve our respect and need to be honored for their service. Heart felt prayers sent.

CJ
 
Here's the story: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rs....com/s/ap/20090322/ap_on_re_us/police_shot_ca

A man wanted for violating his parole killed three veteran police officers and gravely wounded another in two shootings Saturday, the first after a routine traffic stop and the second after a massive manhunt ended in gunfire, authorities said. The gunman was also killed.
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It doesn't sound like the shooting had anything to do with the previous incident, but

People lingered at the scene of the first shooting. About 20 bystanders taunted police.

Tension between police and the community has risen steadily since the fatal shooting of unarmed 22-year-old Oscar Grant by a transit police officer at an Oakland train station on Jan. 1.
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Those taunting the police officers who had just lost one of their own should be ashamed of themselves. They would be the first calling for help if they were robbed, raped or worse.
 
I was born and raised in the Bay Area. I had a friend who lived in the Oakland Hills which actually seemed like a very nice area. One night she heard some noises coming from downstairs. She saw a couple of "gentlemen" in her garage with their car backed up to the garage door. She ran upstairs to call the police - thank God they did not follow her.

The thing is, when she went back downstairs she noticed more things were missing from the garage like her mountain bikes. These punks hung around to steal more stuff even after she called the police!

If you want to see what a disaster Oakland is, just take a ride on on a BART train. When you go through West Oakland, the place looks like the ghetto Charles Bronson shot up in Death Wish 3.

Come to think of it, I was assaulted by an an insane man swore and spat at me in a BART station once. I called the BART Police, and three of them took him down. I don't care how good a fighter you are, that guy was filthy and I would hate to be scrathed or bit by him.

A police friend of mine here in CA told me crime is up in his city by 138% according to what he was told in his daily briefing! And he works in a very upscale city, not Oakland or Compton!

I feel for those brave officers and their friends and family. I am afraid things are only going to be getting only worst in the forseeable future.
 
trentski said:
Those taunting the police officers who had just lost one of their own should be ashamed of themselves. They would be the first calling for help if they were robbed, raped or worse.
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People like that have no shame. This is what the country has come to.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
Look who the story names as public officials. Ron Dellums. Jerry Brown.
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I am Governor Jerry Brown
My aura smiles
And never frowns
Soon I will be president...

(OK the lyrics are somewhat out of date)

(further lyrics redacted, as they would more properly fit in Political).
 
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Esav Benyamin said:
Look who the story names as public officials. Ron Dellums. Jerry Brown.
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I have some VERY strong opinions about the political leadership in Oakland, that I won't share here. As TorzJhonson said, they belong in political. I will say this though - Oakland political and Community leadership is a complete disaster. And as sad as this situation is, I'm not surprised, things in Oakland have gotten steadily worse over the years.

thx - cpr
 
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Oakland is a scary place and is pretty much a riot waiting to happen. OPD and the black community have very little common ground and the best advice I can give is stay away if you can. Sad for me as I was born and raised there and am appalled to see what has happened to my old town....
 
I'm very sorry to hear about the situation.

Here's what I don't get, and this may be a political statement, but friend or familly of the shooter were concerned that no one stood out for him. Well, uh, gee it could be he was a freaking criminal. :mad:
 
Wow I heard about this too. I pray for the police officers families. Isn't it very rare for SWAT officers to die in the line of duty? I believe that only 1 SWAT officer has ever died on the LAPD.
 
The shooter was motivated and knew what he was doing. A sad day for those officers, but also an indication of how rarely they encounter motivated gunmen who are really shooting for keeps.

Prayers to the families of those officers. It's a deadly business.
 
SkinnyJoe said:
What is known about the shooter so far, as well as the details of the incident?
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From what I've hear on the radio around here, the shooter had a history of violent crime. Here's the kicker, as of friday, he was a person of interest in the rape of a 12 year old girl (through DNA evidence.)

I think the term "sociopath" would fit the bill here.

It was reported that in the first shooting, he walked over the the downed officers, and put another round in their heads.

From there he went to his sister's apartment, and hid in the closet with an SKS.
 
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