OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) – The homicide suspect who was barricaded in Oakland on Thursday has been safely detained, according to the Oakland Police Department.
Officer Johnna Watson announced at a press conference on Thursday evening that the suspect surrendered.
“Just moments ago, we had the armed gunman surrender. We want to really acknowledge the surrender and really put that focus on this person who has been barricaded, armed with a firearm since 11:15 this morning,” Watson said.
According to police, the gunman – who is wanted in connection with a double homicide – was holding one person hostage inside the commercial building on the 1600 block of High Street.
A negotiation team communicated with the suspect for a few hours.
Police said around 1:52 p.m. that the hostage was released and unharmed.
While barricaded, the suspect shot at least six rounds of gunfire.
Around 4:45 p.m., the negotiation team continued to communicate with the gunman to come out peacefully. Nearly 20 minutes later, the suspect peacefully surrendered.
The high-capacity firearm has been recovered. No injuries were reported.
“We’d like to thank the following agencies for their assistance today: Oakland Fire Department, Falck Ambulance Service, Alameda County Sheriff’s Department, Alameda County Mental Health Care Clinicians, and the Oakland Police Department Mental Health Team.”
Streets within a 6-block radius were shut down to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Anyone who lives or works in the immediate area was asked to shelter in place during the day.
