Several people shot during Oakland Juneteenth celebrations near Lake Merritt
Several people were shot Wednesday night during Juneteenth celebrations near Lake Merritt in Oakland, according to police.
Police said that around 8:15 p.m., around 5,000 people were participating in Juneteenth-related celebrations around Lake Merritt when an illegal sideshow involving vehicles and motorbikes took place in the area of Grand and Bellevue avenues.
According to police, a fight then broke out and as the crowd headed towards it, multiple shots were fired. Several victims were struck by the gunfire.
First responders transported several injured people to a nearby hospital following the shooting. More victims were also sent to various hospitals by private transportation, police said.
"At this time, there are no reports of fatalities, and the exact number of those injured is still under investigation. No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. It is currently unknown if there was a single shooter or multiple shooters involved," Oakland police said in a statement released around 1:30 a.m. Thursday.
Oakland Fire Department spokesperson Michael Hunt earlier said at least four people were shot and more injured.
Following the shootings, police said officers tried to guide the crowd into a safe area but some individuals in the crowd punched and pushed officers, resulting in minor injuries.
"One person was taken into custody for assaulting an officer," police said.
According to Oakland police, the Juneteenth-related celebrations in the area were not sanctioned gatherings.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Oakland police 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.
