Residents in Oakland criticize police handling following takeover of streets by sideshows
In the early hours of Sunday morning, multiple sideshows took place in the cities of Oakland and Richmond, causing chaos and concern among residents.
At the intersection of 41st and Howe streets in Oakland, a car was set on fire during one of the sideshows. The Oakland Police Department was present at the scene, with 16 police cars in attendance. However, it's unclear if they will use video evidence to track down and tow vehicles involved in the incidents.
Neighbors reported that the car believed to be stolen broke down due to all the spinning, and a mob then set it on fire. The police arrived at the scene after the car was torched. Despite their presence, no arrests have been announced regarding the sideshows.
In Richmond, sideshows occurred at the intersections of 23rd Street and Barrett Avenue, Hensley Street and Richmond Parkway, and Market and 45th streets.
The incidents were not limited to just these locations. A woman posted a petition at the intersection of 41st and Howe streets for the installation of traffic circles, hoping that such measures would make it harder for sideshows to be organized in the future.
Alexis, another resident, questioned the motives of the police, suggesting they are more interested in overtime pay and drawing things out. Collins, another resident, expressed dissatisfaction with the police response, stating it was a "poor excuse" and that they should "do something".
The scenes at these intersections were described as pure chaos, with wheels screeching, people yelling and screaming. Residents were concerned about the potential for fires to spread, especially to old buildings in the area.
Not all residents were upset about the incidents, with some seeing them as part of life in Oakland. However, some are calling for preventative measures to be taken. Some have suggested the installation of traffic circles, while others are advocating for the city councils of Oakland and Richmond to hire more police officers to enable rapid police responses to events like sideshows.
In response, the Oakland Police Officer's Association stated that they are doing everything in their power to help residents and are asking for more officers to be hired and retained.
One man attempted to put out the fire with an extinguisher but was told to back off for his safety. Despite the danger, he showed a willingness to help and demonstrate community spirit in a difficult situation.
As the city councils consider their next steps, it's clear that the issue of sideshows is one that affects the safety and well-being of residents in both Oakland and Richmond.
