Family of man killed by deputy in talks with prominent Oakland attorney

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Investigators are releasing few new details about a fatal police shooting that took place over the weekend in Oakland. An Alameda County Sheriff's deputy killed the suspect on Sunday. ABC7 News has learned that the man's family is already reaching out to a prominent civil rights attorney.

No fewer than three agencies are investigating the officer-involved shooting, including Oakland police. Investigators are interviewing the deputy who shot the suspect. They're trying to find out what led up to his firing of multiple gunshots.

The shots could be heard on the police radio early Sunday morning. It happened just before 6 a.m. near 105th and Edes avenues.

According to Oakland police, officers tried to stop the suspect two hours earlier as he drove a silver Volvo. A pursuit began and the man ran away on foot.

Soon after, an Alameda County Sheriff's deputy and his K-9 located the suspect in a backyard and the deputy fired his gun, killing the suspect.

Police say the suspect did not have a weapon at the time of the shooting, but maintain that he may have stashed it somewhere in the neighborhood.

"Certainly we're concerned about weapons because this vehicle is associated to a home invasion robbery which occurred several weeks ago," said OPD spokesperson Johnna Watson. "Additionally, there was a pistol whipping."

"It has to be imminent danger," said Oakland attorney John Burris.

Burris tells ABC7 News that he's already received a call from the family of the man shot by the deputy.

"The mere fact that there was a home invasion, in and of itself, and/or a chase, neither of which justify the shooting of a suspect unless the officer was in fear of his life, based on some objective facts," he said. "The officer just can't say I thought I was in fear of my life, there have to be some facts to point to that."

Police are not yet releasing the name of the suspect who was killed.

Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is asked to call the Homicide Section at (510) 238-3821. Anonymous tips can also be called in at (855)-TIPS-247, or by texting the words 'TIP OAKLANDPD' to 888-777, followed by the tip message.

Bay City News contributed to this story.