Around 9:40 a.m., two police officers in a patrol car attempted to make contact with Bruce Rhodes in the 600 block of Douglas Avenue in East Oakland, police said. Police describe the area as having a high rate of crime and drug-related offenses.
Officers approached the Oakland man, who allegedly fled on foot and discarded something as he ran, police said. One of the officers managed to confront Rhodes on the side of the residence and instructed him to make his hands visible.
However, Rhodes allegedly reached into his jacket concealing his hand, prompting the officer, who though he was grabbing a gun, to fire at him, Joshi said. Rhodes was taken to the hospital to be treated for an injury that is not considered life-threatening.
No officers were injured in the incident and investigators did not find a firearm in the area or on Rhodes, according to Joshi.
She said Rhodes has an extensive criminal history and has committed previous assaults on police officers. He is on probation and had a warrant out for his arrest.
Officers spoke with numerous witnesses, who gave varying accounts of the shooting, and Police Department homicide detectives and the department's internal affairs division are continuing to investigate the case.
As is standard department procedure for officers involved in shootings, the two officers have been placed on administrative leave.
