Oakland Police Officer Fatally Wounded by Gunfire
December 30, 2023 – Oakland Police Department officials report on the death of Officer Tuan Le killed in the line of duty in the 400 block of Embarcadero on Friday, December 29, 2023.
Early this morning, December 29, 2023, just before 1:00 A.M., Oakland Police Officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Embarcadero to investigate reports of an in-progress burglary. Both uniformed and plainclothes officers who were conducting burglary suppression responded to the scene.
When officers arrived, they located evidence of a burglary at a business. The individual(s) responsible fled the area before officers arrived.
Shortly after, 4:30 A.M., OPD Communications received a second report of an in-progress burglary at the previous location in the 400 block of Embarcadero.
As the officers were arriving, they observed multiple individuals exiting the business. As the individual(s) fled, they began shooting at plain-clothed officers. One officer was struck by gunfire and transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators from the Homicide Section responded to the scene to take over the investigation.
During the preliminary investigation, officers located multiple casings at the scene.
However, we’ve learned no officers discharged their firearm.
OPD’s and Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Teams responded to the scene to investigate the incident.
This is an active and ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Section at (510) 238-3821 or the TIP LINE at (510) 238-7950.
View press conference video here.
The Oakland Police Department would like to thank the following law enforcement agencies for their support and assistance during today’s critical incident: California Highway Patrol (CHP), Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), Oakland Fire Department (OFD), Falck Ambulance, and the staff at Alameda County Highland Hospital.
In Loving Memory of Officer Tuan Le
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Officer Tuan Le, a dedicated public servant, loving husband, and a cherished member of the Oakland community. Officer Le was killed in the line of duty on Friday, December 29, 2023, at 8:44 a.m. Officer Le was surrounded by his wife, mother, and members of his OPD family when he died.
On June 1, 1987, Officer Le was born in Saigon Vietnam, before later moving to Oakland and being naturalized on September 11, 2001.
On February 21, 2020, Officer Le graduated from the 183rd Police Academy, beginning a journey of public service to his community that lasted nearly four years.
For the past two years, Officer Le served as the Community Resource Officer (CRO) in West Oakland, where he devoted himself to strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the residents of Oakland. His tireless efforts in fostering positive relationships made a lasting impact.
Officer Le was a devoted husband to his wife. His passing leaves a void in the law enforcement community, the city of Oakland, and in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be remembered for his kindness, his smile, and the positive change he brought to the lives of those around him. He is a true hero who dedicated his life to making our community safer.
Officer Le is the 54th Oakland Police Officer killed in the line of duty serving the residents of Oakland.
Source & photo: Oakland Police Department
