Few details shared while Alameda Police continue investigating
A large, raucous “beach takeover” in Alameda turned violent on Thursday night, June 11, resulting in two people being shot with an assault rifle. This marks the latest of several “beach takeovers” and games of “assassin” [1] that have been causing problems for Alameda and its police department this year.
[2]In March, Alameda Police Department [3] [APD] warned, “While this may seem like harmless fun, similar games in the past have led to unintended and dangerous consequences. We urge parents and guardians to talk to your children and discourage participating in unpermitted gatherings like these.”
That warning came true Thursday evening.
In his reporting on the shooting [4], KTVU’s Henry Lee quoted a witness who said, “I heard just rapid gunfire. I thought it was a car flipping over, but I just heard ‘pow-pow-pow.’ I waited for a second, and that’s when I heard all the sirens.” An alleged video of the incident appeared on the Citizen app but is unverified.
When contacted for a statement on Friday, June 12, Alameda Police Public Information Officer Michaelia Parker responded to the Alameda Post, “APD is currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred just after 9:00 p.m. last night. Two victims were transported to local hospitals, and their conditions are unknown at this time. This is a very active investigation, and we are still gathering information. No additional details are available for release at the moment.”
In a group email on Saturday, City Councilmember Tracy Jensen wrote, “APD and EBRP [East Bay Regional Parks] police had advance notice of the gathering and worked together to respond. Uniformed personnel were significantly outnumbered by several hundred young people that began yelling, blocking traffic, and disregarding police instructions. At a site close to the Big 5, one person discharged an assault rifle, striking two individuals. Both victims were transported to the local hospital. One is in critical condition.”
On Sunday, June 14, APD posted the following statement to their Facebook page [5] confirming Jensen’s statement. “On Thursday, June 11, Alameda police officers and East Bay Regional Park District police officers were on the scene of a large gathering along Shoreline Drive when they heard multiple gunshots. Officers quickly located two victims, a juvenile and an adult, in the 300 block of Park Street. Both victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
“Alameda is a welcoming city and we are working to ensure that our residents and visitors have an enjoyable, safe summer — but we won’t tolerate irresponsible, unlawful activities.”
No further details have been shared, and APD has not announced any arrests in connection with the incident. The Alameda Post has reached out to the City and APD for additional comments and details, and although none were forthcoming as of Monday, June 15, the Alameda Post will share additional information when it becomes available.