Oakland, California – In a tragic incident that unfolded early in the morning, an Oakland police officer was ambushed and fatally shot while responding to a burglary in progress. The shooting occurred in the 400 block of Embarcadero near 5th Avenue, leaving the community devastated and law enforcement agencies rallying together in pursuit of justice.

Sgt. Barry Donelan, president of the police officer union, confirmed that fellow officers rushed to the scene and managed to transport their wounded colleague to the hospital in a patrol car. Tragically, the officer succumbed to his injuries at 8:44 a.m. with his family and fellow officers by his side. Sgt. Donelan expressed deep sorrow for the loss and called for anyone with information on the whereabouts of the shooting suspect to contact the Oakland Police Department.

The shooting prompted an extensive response from the Oakland Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and Alameda County Sheriff's deputies. Embarcadero was closed in both directions from Oak Street to 16th Avenue, and multiple on-ramps to Interstate 880 were shut down as law enforcement worked diligently to investigate the incident.

At Highland Hospital, where the officer was being treated, police commanders, union representatives, and Mayor Sheng Thao gathered to offer support and solidarity. The hospital saw a constant stream of Oakland police officers, some in uniform and others in plainclothes, entering and leaving the premises. The number of officers present swelled to over 75, with police cruisers from various jurisdictions lining up along 14th Avenue.

A solemn police procession from the hospital to the county coroner's office is scheduled to take place in the afternoon, honoring the fallen officer's sacrifice and paying respect to his service. The identity of the officer has not been disclosed at this time, but at least one relative confirmed their relationship and arrived at the hospital in the company of two others.

Oakland has a tragic history of officers losing their lives in the line of duty. This marks the 54th officer killed dating back to the 1860s. The most recent on-duty deaths occurred on March 21, 2009, when four officers were fatally shot.

As the community mourns this devastating loss, law enforcement agencies remain resolute in their determination to bring the shooter to justice. The solidarity and camaraderie among officers demonstrate the unwavering commitment to keeping the city safe. The loss of one of their own reminds the public of the dangers faced daily by those who protect and serve.

Jeff Ng, an officer with the California Highway Patrol, captured the somber scene outside the hospital, where officers stood in honor of their fallen colleague. The sight left him and others in shock, reinforcing the sense of loss that resonates throughout the law enforcement community.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. Together, they seek to ensure that the memory of the fallen officer is honored and justice is served.