Several people were shot Wednesday evening during Juneteenth celebrations near Lake Merritt in Oakland, according to police.
Police said around 8:15 p.m., about 5,000 people were participating in Juneteenth-related celebrations around Lake Merritt when an illegal sideshow involving vehicles and motorcycles took place in the area of Grand and Bellevue avenues.
According to police, a fight then broke out and as the crowd walked toward it, several shots were fired. Several victims were struck by the gunfire.
First responders transported several injured people to a nearby hospital after the shooting. More victims were also sent to various hospitals by private transport, police said.
“There are currently no reports of fatalities and the exact number of injuries is still under investigation. No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. It is currently unknown if there was one shooter or multiple shooters involved. “Oakland police said in a statement released around 1:30 a.m. Thursday.
Oakland Fire Department spokesman Michael Hunt previously said at least four people were shot and more were injured.
After the shooting, officers said officers tried to direct the crowd to a safe area, but some individuals in the crowd punched and pushed officers, causing minor injuries.
“One person has been arrested for assaulting an officer,” police said.
According to the Oakland Police Department, Juneteenth-related celebrations in the area were not approved gatherings.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Oakland Police Department at (510) 238-3426.
“If you have any videos or photos that could assist with the investigation, please send them to cidvideos@oaklandca.gov,” police said.
