Oakland police have arrested two men for parole violations and are holding three others. They have not released their names but have confirmed that all have ties to a local gang and say all five men are directly connected to the shooting that wounded an undercover officer Monday night.
The shooting happened on the 1700 block of Seminary Avenue near International Boulevard. Police say the officer was working undercover at the time, investigating another shooting that happened on Sunday. According to police, the officer never fired a weapon. Police say he was jumped by at least three men, beaten and then shot.
Investigators said they don't know if the men involved in the shooting knew if they were shooting at an officer.
"We have not been able to determine that because we have just started the interview with the two people who are being detained, but that is something that we want to know. Because that goes to what their mindset is, possibly the other types of charges that we want to present to the district attorneys," Oakland Police Chief Howard Jordan said.
SWAT members along with police officers and K-9 units conducted yard-to-yard searches along Seminary Avenue. Police said they recovered several guns from homes that they searched overnight and they are not sure if they are related to the shooting. Access to the East Oakland neighborhood area was restricted by police. Some neighbors complained because they weren't allowed in the perimeter. But police say they just couldn't take any chances.
Investigators have not identified the shooter but have confirmed the gun he used is believed be among at least five weapons recovered during their search.
The officer was shot in the arm and transported to a local hospital. He is now recovering at home. Chief Jordan said the officer is one the department's best undercover cops and is part of a new team that was put together to handle the rise in violence in Oakland.
Oakland police have asked residents in the area who may have seen something suspicious to call 911 or (510) 777-3211.
