OAKLAND – A 34-year-old man was arrested in connection with a series of stabbings that left one person dead and four others injured Monday night in the Fruitvale district, authorities said.
The first incident, initially reported as a shooting, happened just before 7:30 p.m. in Cesar Chavez Park in the 1800 block of 38th Avenue, police said.
The victim, a 58-year-old man, died at the scene. His name was not immediately released to the public.
Officers found a second victim, a 47-year-old man, near 38th Avenue and San Leandro Street, police said. While at the scene, they were notified by BART police that a third stabbing victim, a 31-year-old man, had been found near the Fruitvale station in the 3800 block of San Leandro Street.
Authorities said a fourth and fifth victim, a 52-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man, were found near 39th Avenue and International Boulevard.
Just before 8 p.m., community members directed officers to the 1500 block of 39th Avenue, where the suspect was taken into custody, police said. A weapon was recovered at the scene.
The suspect’s name was not released by police. He was being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail on suspicion of murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
Of the four victims who survived, one was listed in critical condition and three in stable condition.
Investigators are trying to determine a motive for the stabbings and if the suspect knew any of the victims.
The killing is the 36th homicide investigated by Oakland police this year. Last year at this time police had investigated 44 homicides in the city.
Anyone with information related to the cases can contact the police department at 510-238-3821 or the tip line at 510-238-7950. Videos and photos can be emailed to cidvideos@oaklandca.gov.