OAKLAND, Calif. – The Oakland Police Department (OPD) is investigating an in-custody death that occurred early Saturday morning in East Oakland. According to OPD, the incident unfolded around 4:15 a.m. on October 18, 2025, in the 11000 block of Ettrick Street. Officers were initially called to the area for reports of a break-in at a nearby residence. At the same time, dispatchers received information about a person experiencing a medical emergency believed to be connected to the same break-in.
When officers arrived, they found the individual inside the residence. OPD said that while attempting to detain the person, “a brief struggle ensued.” The department reported that after the individual was taken into custody, they “became unresponsive.”
Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene, provided treatment, and transported the individual to a local hospital. Despite those efforts, police said the person later died.
“In accordance with OPD policy, the officer(s) involved in the incident have been placed on paid administrative leave,” the department stated in a release.
OPD said the case is being investigated by multiple oversight and accountability entities, including the Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Section, Internal Affairs Bureau, the Oakland City Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency (CPRA), and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
“The Oakland Police Department remains committed to transparency,” the statement continued. “However, to ensure the integrity of the investigation, the release of information must be limited at this time. Additional details will be shared as soon as the investigative process allows and in compliance with the law.”