Oakland, CA – A high-speed crash in Oakland following a police pursuit involving Berkeley officers left four people injured, including a Berkeley police officer, and led to the arrest of two suspects. The pursuit, which began after an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) alerted police to a stolen red Audi, ended with multiple collisions in Oakland on Wednesday.
The incident started in Berkeley when officers spotted the stolen vehicle in a grocery store parking lot, when the driver noticed the officers, they fled, striking a police patrol vehicle and nearly hitting pedestrians on the sidewalk.
The chase continued into Oakland, where the suspect’s vehicle caused a collision at the intersection of MacArthur Boulevard and Calaveras Avenue.
The suspects, an adult female driver, and an adult male passenger, were arrested at the scene. The driver faces charges including possession of a stolen vehicle, hit and run, and attempted assault with a deadly weapon. The male passenger was arrested on an outstanding felony warrant. Both were taken to the hospital for medical evaluation.
In addition to the suspects, a Berkeley police officer sustained a leg injury and was transported to the hospital. Another motorist involved in the crash also reported injuries and was taken to the hospital for a complaint of pain.
The pursuit involved multiple crash sites, including one near the I-580 overpass, where the suspect’s vehicle was pinned. At least two other vehicles, including a school bus, were damaged in the pursuit.
This crash in Oakland serves as a stark reminder of how quickly police pursuits can escalate into dangerous situations, impacting innocent bystanders. Our thoughts go out to the individuals injured in this incident, and we hope for their swift recovery. For those involved in car accidents caused by reckless drivers, it’s vital to seek medical attention and consider legal options for compensation. Personal injury claims can help cover medical bills and other expenses associated with such traumatic events.