A person suspected of a residential break-in early Saturday morning near the Oakland Zoo died while in custody, police claim.
The Oakland Police Department announced the death on Saturday afternoon. The department did not identify the deceased person, saying it will share that information “as soon as the investigative process allows and in compliance with the law.”
Just after 4:15 a.m. on the 11000 block of Ettrick St., officers responding to a report of a break-in at a nearby residence received a call for a medical emergency, which turned out to be for the suspect, police said.
“Upon arrival, officers located the individual inside the residence,” the department said. “While attempting to detain the individual, a brief struggle ensued. After being taken into custody, the individual became unresponsive.”
Paramedics gave medical assistance and the suspect was transported to a hospital, where the person died, police said.
Police who were involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave, following department policy. The in-custody death is being investigated by the Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Section, OPD Internal Affairs Bureau, the Oakland City Police Commission, the Community Police Review Agency and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
Originally Published: October 18, 2025 at 4:50 PM PDT