Oakland: At least four people shot at Dimond District sideshow

OAKLAND — At least four people were shot and wounded during a violent sideshow in the Dimond District early Sunday morning, police said.

The shooting happened around 4 a.m. at the intersection of Fruitvale Avenue and McArthur Boulevard, where a large gathering of vehicles and spectators had assembled.

Two women, ages 24 and 26, from Hayward and San Bernardino, respectively, and two men, ages 21 and 22, from Oakland and San Pablo, were struck by gunfire. The victims, believed to be spectators, found their own transportation to a hospital, where they were treated and listed in stable condition.

A nearby business was also hit by gunfire, but no further details were released.

The Oakland Police Department is still investigating the incident and has made no arrests. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.

Authorities are working to determine what sparked the violence.

In June, 14 people were shot at a Lake Merritt slideshow that followed a peaceful Juneteenth celebration. Sideshows in Oakland and across the Bay Area have become increasingly problematic over the years.

The Oakland City Council passed an ordinance last year making it illegal to “organize, facilitate or promote” sideshows.

Those found guilty of violating the ordinance could face misdemeanor charges and civil penalties including jail time of six months or fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, with increasing penalties for repeat offenders.

Those who participate in illegal sideshows could also have their vehicles towed and held for a 30-day period.

OPD encourages those who find themselves in the middle of a sideshow look for a safe alternate route that would allow them to escape sideshow activities.

Anyone with more information about the Sunday morning sideshow can call the Oakland police at 510-238-3426.