Oakland experienced another street takeover early Saturday morning, lasting an hour and featuring participants firing guns into the air, all captured on video. Residents near 98th Avenue and Empire Boulevard expressed frustration to KTVU-TV about the lack of police response, fearing for their safety as these sideshows become routine in their neighborhood.
One neighbor described hearing gunshots from all directions, with fireworks and lasers also present, while no police sirens were heard. Despite recent town hall promises from Mayor Sheng Thao and Police Chief Floyd Mitchell to combat sideshows using new technology and support from the California Highway Patrol, residents say they are still waiting for real action. Police Chief Mitchell acknowledged the city’s struggles with insufficient officers but noted a dedicated sideshow detail is dispatched every weekend.
Residents remain frustrated, saying the city has failed to deliver on its promises. KTVU reached out to the police and mayor’s office but received no response in time for the report.
