Firearms recovered after Oakland police chase; 3 arrested, suspect in critical
OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) - A police chase through Oakland highways and city streets ended in a crash involving multiple vehicles, sending at least one person to the hospital in critical condition.
Three suspects have been arrested after Oakland police attempted to stop a vehicle in connection with firearms in the area of 98th Avenue and Edes Avenue just before 4:30 p.m.
Police say the suspects' vehicle failed to stop and a chase began leading them onto I-880 and I-580. Police say firearms were recovered during their investigation.
The chase ended in a crash at Lakeshore and Lake Park about a block from Grand Lake Theater around 4:45 p.m. and involved several vehicles.
Police said one of the suspects tried to flee from the vehicle, but a non-involved motorist collided into him as he ran into the street. The suspect was transported to the hospital for treatment and is listed in critical condition.
The California Highway Patrol says there were at least two crashes on interstate 580 and another collision on the 580 Lakeshore Boulevard off-ramp as a result of this chase.
The Lakeshore off ramp from I-580 is closed while police are investigating.
California Highway Patrol assisted with the road closure of I-580's off ramp.
Several witnesses say the suspects were driving a silver Mercedes, which hit several cars during the chase, including a white Chevrolet Malibu.
The driver of the Malibu said he saw the Mercedes coming up behind him while on the 580 West Lakeshore off-ramp at a high rate of speed.
"I saw through the rear-view mirror. I saw the vehicles coming and I tried to move to the right. When I attempted to move to the right, the vehicle behind me still hit me," said Cesar Sanchez.
Witnesses said they heard screeching wheels and tires being blown off as well as the sound of scraping rims.
Another witness said the Mercedes ran a red light after the crashing with the Malibu and slammed into a black Honda.
"It was horrible to see," said Ed Faglia. "It happened in a split second. I couldn't believe how it hit those cars."
Witnesses say after the one suspect attempted to flee and was struck by a motorist, two others were seen trying to escape by running in different directions after crashing their Mercedes.
Police would not say if the Mercedes the suspects were in was stolen or not.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oakland Police Department Felony Assault Section at (510) 238-3426.