Hero down: Officer shot and killed responding to burglary at a cannabis dispensary - killer on the run

OAKLAND, CA - An Oakland Police Officer was shot and killed during responding to a burglary at a cannabis dispensary near Jack London Square early Friday morning.

Officer Tuan Le, 36 years old, was shot while driving an unmarked police car to the scene of the second burglary of the night with the same victim business, located in the 400 block of Embarcadero. Le and other officers were working an overnight burglary operation.

The first incident occurred around 1:00 am, but the burglars were able to get away from police. The criminals returned to the scene at about 4:30 am, which prompted another police response. Officer Le did not make it to the business before he was shot while driving the car in plainclothes.

Police say at least one person shot several at the officer in his unmarked vehicle.

Le, who had been with the department for four years, was taken to local Highland hospital, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries. “Officer Le was surrounded by his wife, mother, and members of his OPD family when he died. He is a true hero who dedicated his life to making our community safer,” the Oakland Police Department said in a statement.

According to Interim Chief Darren Allison, multiple suspects, including the shooter, fled the scene and once again escaped police.
While police say the have “significant evidence,” they have not yet made an arrest in the case. Anyone with information is asked to call 510-238-3821.

“As we mourn, rest assured that we are also determined to bring this cop killer to justice,” Oakland Police Officers’ Association President Barry Donelan said. “I am proud of the officers who responded this morning and carried their brother to the hospital on their shoulders. Their actions personified what it means to be an Oakland police officer.”

According to OPD, “Le was born in Saigon, Vietnam on June 1, 1987 before later moving to Oakland and being naturalized on September 11, 2001. On February 21, 2020, Le graduated from Oakland’s 183rd Police Academy. For the past two years, Le served as the Community Resource Officer in West Oakland, where he devoted himself to strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the residents of Oakland.

“His tireless efforts in fostering positive relationships made a lasting impact.  His passing leaves a void in the law enforcement community, the city of Oakland, and in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be remembered for his kindness, his smile, and the positive change he brought to the lives of those around him.”

Officer Le is the 54th Oakland Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty.
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Robert

God Bless, Police Officer, Tuan Le, an American HERO. B.L.M. = "BLUE LIVES MATTER". Period

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