Oakland officers shoot, kill man who was 'pointing a firearm at people,' police say

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- An investigation is underway in East Oakland after officers shot and killed a man.

Police say they received several 911 calls from residents reporting that "a man was pointing a firearm at people in the 2000 block of Auseon Avenue."

When officers arrived, police say the man threatened them, too.

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"Oakland police officers arrived on scene. At which point, the subject pointed a gun at multiple officers. Multiple officers discharged their service weapon, striking the subject. Medical aid was provided. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, he was pronounced deceased at 458 p.m.," according to interim Oakland Police Chief James Beere.

Police clarified that statement saying when the first officers arrived on scene the suspect pointed his gun at them. As they requested additional units he moved into a nearby yard. He was shot a short time later when he pointed his gun at them a second time.

The shooting happened near the intersection of 89th Avenue and Birch Street after police responded to reports from neighbors that the man had allegedly been waving a gun at passersby, including children.

Police are identifying the man only as an adult male and has not been identified.

An investigation is underway in East Oakland after officers shot and killed a man.

Brenda Lopez and her husband operate a seafood stall near 89th Avenue in East Oakland. Monday evening, she and her customers ran inside a house to take cover after a man walking around, pointed a gun at them.

"He was passing though this street. And he was pointing (a gun) at everybody," says Lopez, who described the suspect as a tall man wearing black. "And in the corner, he was pointing at some kids, (who) always play outside. He was pointing at kids, too!"

Lopez says he wasn't yelling at anyone, but adding, "He seemed mad."

Oakland police say they were alerted just before 4 p.m. of the suspect walking around waving his gun at people on the street. Once on scene, police say the suspect pointed his gun at them. But kept walking.

Lopez says the suspect didn't appear to be using drugs or alcohol. "No, because he was walking like straight-up, like good. Like walking fast and just pointing (the gun) at the people," explains Lopez.

Neighbors says the suspect walked several blocks to the intersection of 89th Avenue and Birch Street. Oakland police that's where the man, once again, pointed his gun at police. And that's when they shot him.

"As said, he ended up pointing the firearm at the police officers, as well. At which point they discharged their firearms and struck the subject," says Interim Oakland Police Chief James Beere.

The man died at the hospital. Oakland police still have not identified the suspect. And there is no known motive.

"And then when I went in the house I could hear police say, 'Put the gun down! Put the gun down! Put the gun down!'" says Consuelo Lavenaent, who lives near the intersection.

Lavenaent says this part of the neighborhood is usually very quiet. She praised police for getting there fast.

"I know it is sad that he got shot. But he was going to hurt other people. He could have hurt a lot of people. Especially kids. he was pointing the gun at kids," says Lavenaent.

As per protocol, the officers involved are on paid administrative leave. The Alameda County District Attorney's Office is conducting an independent investigation.