OPD Makes Arrests in Connection to Large-Scale Sideshow Event

Published on September 12, 2025

Immediate Release: September 12, 2025

OPD NEWS:

A nearly three-week-long investigation by the Oakland Police Department (OPD) resulted in two people in custody, six vehicles seized, and a recovered firearm.

Today, OPD officers, with the assistance of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol, executed search warrants at residences in Oakland and Santa Rosa. The two primary organizers were taken into custody for felony warrants connected to the promotion and facilitation of a large and highly disruptive sideshow that occurred on August 24, 2025.

The illegal event drew approximately 100 vehicles and 300 spectators, endangering community members through reckless and criminal behavior, including setting off illegal fireworks, negligent discharge of firearms, and setting a vehicle on fire. The event spanned several neighborhoods, including 47th Street and Adeline Street, 41st Street and Howe Street, 98th Avenue and International Boulevard, and 42nd Avenue and International Boulevard.

Sideshows of this nature have become a persistent public safety challenge across the state. They have a significant impact on the community and cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to city infrastructure.

This weekend, we will increase our staffing and coordinate efforts with regional law enforcement partners to address potential sideshow activity proactively.

OPD will continue to take decisive action to disrupt sideshows and hold accountable those who put the community at risk by organizing and participating in such activities. When appropriate, this includes seeking felony criminal charges against those who elect to organize and/or facilitate these disruptive and destructive events.

OPD remains committed to working with community stakeholders and partner agencies to prevent the dangerous and disruptive behavior associated with sideshows.