Four Oakland, California police officers killed in line of duty

**Unamused Cat** · March 21st, 2009, 11:02 PM

OAKLAND - Four Oakland police officers were shot to death in two separate incidents involving one suspect near the Eastmont police substation this afternoon, law enforcement sources said.

The first shooting happened in the 7400 block of McArthur Boulevard at 1:16 p.m. today when two motorcycle officers were shot. What led to the shooting was not immediately known.

About 3:20 p.m., two more police officers were shot in an exchange of gunfire with the suspect while trying to take him into custody in the 2700 block of 74th Avenue. That suspect was shot and killed.

Officers were walking to the substation consoling each other, some visibly crying, to attend a news conference at 4:30 p.m.

A man who did not want his name to be used and works at a barber shop on the corner of McArthur Boulevard and 73rd Avenue, said he heard gunshots from outside and went down the block where he saw two officers laying on the ground near each other.

"I went over to one officer and saw he was bleeding from his helmet pretty bad," he said. "The other officer was laying motionless."

He said the officer lying near a car had two gun shot bullets near in his face. One bullet was lodged in his jaw and the other in his neck.

The man proceeded to give the officer CPR until police arrived on the scene, he said.

Dozens of Oakland police, California Highway Patrol officers and Alameda County sheriff deputies had cordoned off stretches of blocks around 73rd and 74th avenues and
McArthur Boulevard. Helicopters hovered for hours over the crime scene. Officers staked out the neighborhood trying to find the suspects involved.

No one could remember when four officers were shot in the line of duty on the same day.

http://www.mercurynews.com/centralcoast/ci_11968175

**MichaelJCheaney** · March 21st, 2009, 11:17 PM

Unfortunately as of 8:15PM all four officers have been pronounced dead.

May you 4 heroes Rest in Peace.

You Died as heroes....and the people of Oakland CA.....as well as the people of America say THANK YOU!!!! For your service.

**dmax** · March 22nd, 2009, 03:25 AM

OAKLAND, Calif. – A man wanted for violating his parole killed three veteran police officers and gravely wounded another in two shootings Saturday, the first after a routine traffic stop and the second after a massive manhunt ended in gunfire, authorities said. The gunman was also killed.

"It's in these moments that words are extraordinarily inadequate," said Mayor Ron Dellums at a somber news conference announcing the slayings. It was the first time in the history of the Oakland Police Department that three officers were killed in the line of duty in the same day.

The violence began when two officers stopped a Buick sedan in east Oakland just after 1 p.m., Oakland police spokesman Jeff Thomason said. The driver opened fire, killing one officer and gravely wounding another.

The gunman then fled on foot, police said, leading to an intense manhunt by dozens of Oakland police, California Highway Patrol officers and Alameda County sheriff deputies. Streets were roped off and an entire area of east Oakland closed to traffic.

Officers checking on an anonymous tip found the suspect barricaded inside an apartment building around 3:30 p.m., police said.

Police said the gunman fired an assault rifle at officers who came into the building to arrest him. Two members of the SWAT team were killed and a third was grazed by a bullet, police said.

Acting Oakland police Chief Howard Jordan said police returned fire, killing a man they identified as 26-year-old Lovelle Mixon of Oakland.

The slain officers were identified as Sgt. Mark Dunakin, 40, who was killed at the first shooting. The officers killed at the second location were Sgt. Ervin Romans, 43, and Sgt. Daniel Sakai, 35. Officer John Hege, 41, was in grave condition.

Reached by telephone late Saturday, Hege's father, Dr. John S. Hege said, "He had an injury to his brain ... and it's not clear he can survive. ... It is a stunning thing to face, although we were always aware of the risks."

Hege, a retired physician from neighboring Piedmont, said his son loved being a policeman. He worked well with people and was an Eagle Scout. He played high school football and wrestled. He umpired and coached even as a youth, and joined the Oakland Police Department reserves.

After graduating from St, Mary's College in Moraga, Calif., he taught high school physical education for a few years in nearby Hayward before joining the police department a decade ago.

He recently became a motorcyle traffic patrol officer, Dr. Hege said, adding, "He liked excitement."

As for the slain shooting suspect, the father said, "The man was evidently terribly desperate. It is a sad story..."

Grieving officers at the police station hugged and consoled each other.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said it was a tragic day.

"All four officers dedicated their lives to public safety and selflessly worked to protect the people of Oakland," he said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those lost, the Oakland Police Department and law enforcement officers throughout California during this difficult time."

Police said Mixon wielded two different weapons. One gun was used at the first scene and an assault rifle was used at the apartment building where he was hiding.

"(Mixon) was on parole and he had a warrant out for his arrest for violating that parole. And he was on parole for assault with a deadly weapon," said Oakland police Deputy Chief Jeffery Israel...MORE

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090322/...police_shot_ca

**Ninja0980** · March 22nd, 2009, 03:31 AM

All I can say is three words.... burn in hell

**Tazzzz** · March 22nd, 2009, 05:07 AM

The news is pretty confused about how many cops died, Some say 3 others say 4. Either way it doesn't look like the other motorcycle guys going to make it he got shot in the head. I read that 2 swat cops died and a 3rd one got grazed in the head , but there not talking about that guy much.

R.I.P.
Sgt. Mark Dunakin, 40,
Sgt. Ervin Romans, 43,
Sgt. Daniel Sakai, 35.

**Insomniac** · March 22nd, 2009, 10:34 AM

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090322/...police_shot_ca

OAKLAND, Calif. – A police officer was battling for his life and three more were dead after a parolee with an "extensive criminal history" opened fire at a routine traffic stop and hours later gunned down members of a SWAT team searching for him.

The gunman was also killed Saturday, capping a day of violence that the Oakland Police Department said was the worst in its history. Never before had three police officers died in the line of duty on the same day.

"It's in these moments that words are extraordinarily inadequate," said Mayor Ron Dellums at a somber news conference Saturday night.

The mayhem began that afternoon, when two motorcycle patrol officers stopped a 1995 Buick sedan in east Oakland, Oakland police spokesman Jeff Thomason said. The driver opened fire, killing Sgt. Mark Dunakin, 40, and gravely wounding Officer John Hege, 41.

The gunman then fled on foot, police said, leading to an intense manhunt by dozens of Oakland police, California Highway Patrol officers and Alameda County sheriff deputies. Streets were roped off and an entire area of east Oakland closed to traffic.

About two hours later, officers got an anonymous tip that the gunman was inside a nearby apartment building.

A SWAT team had entered an apartment to clear and search it when the gunman shot them with an assault rifle, police said.

Sgt. Ervin Romans, 43, and Sgt. Daniel Sakai, 35, were killed and a third officer was grazed by a bullet, police said.

SWAT team members returned fire, killing 26-year-old Lovelle Mixon of Oakland, Acting Oakland police Chief Howard Jordan said.

Officer Hege suffered brain damage and may not survive, his father, Dr. John S. Hege, said late Saturday.

"It is a stunning thing to face," he said.

Grieving officers at the police station hugged and consoled each other. People left four bouquets of white roses under a granite memorial wall inside the building lobby that lists 47 officers killed in the line of duty. The wall shows the last officer killed in Oakland was in January of 1999.

Police said Mixon wielded two different weapons. One gun was used at the first scene and an assault rifle was used at the apartment building where he was hiding.

Jordan said Mixon had an "extensive criminal history" and was wanted on a no-bail warrant.

"(Mixon) was on parole and he had a warrant out for his arrest for violating that parole. And he was on parole for assault with a deadly weapon," said Oakland police Deputy Chief Jeffery Israel.

Police said they did not know exactly why the officers initially stopped the suspect, but said it apparently was a routine traffic stop.

People lingered at the scene of the first shooting. About 20 bystanders taunted police.

Tension between police and the community has risen steadily since the fatal shooting of unarmed 22-year-old Oscar Grant by a transit police officer at an Oakland train station on Jan. 1.

That former Bay Area Rapid Transit officer, Johannes Mehserle, has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday. Violent protests erupted on the streets of Oakland in the weeks after Grant's death, further inflaming tensions.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger planned to fly to Oakland on Sunday from Washington, D.C., to meet with police and Mayor Dellums, the govenor's office said.

**Sister Iroz** · March 22nd, 2009, 10:59 AM

I know I read this earlier and this is horrible and I also heard it on the news what a tragedy. My heart, prayers and thoughts go out to the officers families, friends and fellow officers. May all these officers RIP.

**MadmamainNC** · March 22nd, 2009, 11:20 AM

People lingered at the scene of the first shooting. About 20 bystanders taunted police.

You could probably post this article on Three Things under the "Damn" thread to validate some of our points over police issues not being a southern thing. The hostility towards officers in LA is out of control. And the same in return by the police to the people. It's that chicken and egg thing. Been going on so long, it's hard to say anymore who started it.

When a life is taken, you'd think someone would feel pain for that person. Even the most undeserving in another's eyes, someone should shed a tear for. Where is the humanity?

**MichaelJCheaney** · March 22nd, 2009, 12:13 PM

RIP: Officers....Please know that we all appreciate the sacrifices that you made in order to keep us safe.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

Godspeed.....

**MichaelJCheaney** · March 22nd, 2009, 12:25 PM

Now speaking as someone who has always had a respect for the badge-although sometimes not so much for the person wearing it- It takes a special kind of MOXY for a group to gather and start taunting.

I can't speak personally for the people of Oakland but I can say that over the years Oakland has had some run-ins with the citizens of the city and vice-versa, so perhaps the animosity between the people and the police is warranted....

However to gather and taunt at the scene of a multiple police shooting in which 4 people who are sworn to "serve and Protect" is just appalling to me on SO MANY levels.

**Tazzzz** · March 22nd, 2009, 12:33 PM

They said on the news this morning that John Hege has died.

Oakland Police officer John Hege (Motorcycle patrol)

Oakland Police officer Sgt. Mark Dunakin (Motorcycle patrol)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Oakland Police officer Sgt. Daniel Sakai ( SWAT team )

Oakland Police officer Sgt. Ervin Romans ( SWAT team )

**Unamused Cat** · March 22nd, 2009, 01:38 PM

http://www.dreamindemon.com/forums/s...hlight=oakland

**Ninja0980** · March 22nd, 2009, 04:42 PM

I'm disguisted that a group of people would start taunting and cheering the deaths of four people who put their lives on the line for us, including the taunters. All this will do is make the police say the hell with it, they can fend for themselves.

**Kalehue** · March 22nd, 2009, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by Ninja0980

I'm disguisted that a group of people would start taunting and cheering the deaths of four people who put their lives on the line for us, including the taunters. All this will do is make the police say the hell with it, they can fend for themselves.

Oh, this just makes me sick. Too bad someone didn't open fire on the taunters with an assault weapon.

RIP officers.

**Marv** · March 22nd, 2009, 06:10 PM

Police officer John Hege
Police officer Sgt. Mark Dunakin
Police officer Sgt. Daniel Sakai
Police officer Sgt. Ervin Romans

May you all Rest in Peace.

My heart goes out to the families, friends and colleagues they have left behind. This is so terribly sad.

And to all those who stood and taunted at the scene, Fuck you all. These guys were there to serve and protect your worthless hides too. I hope you dont ever have the gall to call for police help when you need it next. Assholes.

**swivel** · March 22nd, 2009, 06:11 PM

People were taunting the police? There are blacks out there who are celebrating the death of these guys?

Fuck. An. A.

**dmax** · March 22nd, 2009, 08:03 PM

OAKLAND, Calif. – A police officer shot during a traffic stop has been pronounced brain dead but remained on life support, police said Sunday, retracting an earlier statement that he had died.

Oakland police spokesman Jeff Thomason announced the death of 41-year-old Officer John Hege earlier Sunday but later said that Hege was being kept alive while a final decision was made about donating his organs....

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090322/...police_shot_ca

**Aslan** · March 23rd, 2009, 05:19 AM

People lingered at the scene of the first shooting. About 20 bystanders taunted police.

Every single one of these people should have been tazed on the spot.

RIP guys

**Kalehue** · March 25th, 2009, 08:32 AM

A fourth Oakland, Calif. police officer has died after being shot by a man wanted on a parole violation.

The officer was kept alive after being declared brain dead Sunday so vital organs could be donated to four patients. The hospital says he was taken off life support Tuesday.

Police say he and his partner were gunned down when the two motorcycle officers pulled over Lovelle Mixon Saturday. Police tracked him down to an apartment, where he shot and killed two more officers. Mixon was also killed. An Oakland police sergeant calls it the biggest tragedy ever to hit

http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?se...rticle-6727157

They are planning a vigil tonight for all the officers at the corner where Mixon was initally stopped by officers.

**seductress** · March 25th, 2009, 08:54 AM

These men gave in life, now they give in death.

It reminds us all that we take the good police for granted. We get pulled over and become angry, say things that we shouldn't and at time have manipulated an officer. I am guilty of all of the above. This is my personal reminder that they are there to protect me and my family.

Thank you to all officers.

**Unamused Cat** · March 26th, 2009, 01:32 PM

Now, isn't this lovely. =~.~=

Vigil Held For Oakland Cop Killer Suspect

With the Oakland Police Department mourning the violent deaths of four of its own, a group Wednesday staged a vigil for the man authorities say gunned down the fallen officers.

http://cbs13.com/local/vigil.shootin....2.968035.html

**penelopejo** · March 26th, 2009, 01:56 PM

A fucking vigil. I've been reading that this dude is a hero. How is this fuck head a hero? He murdered men that are protecting your lives. They died trying to arrest a man who more than likely would've harmed the lives of many in that community due to fact that he was "unable" to find a job cause of his felon status. Fuck that. He deserves to rot in hell. This one time I wish these vigil holders could be arrested for such ignorance.

**Silvahalo** · March 26th, 2009, 02:00 PM

I keep thinking about this terrible tragedy. I have complete respect for the officers who do a very hard, and often a thankless job.
To the hero's who have fallen, I thank you and mourn with the families who have lost you.

**runecire** · March 26th, 2009, 02:24 PM

Rest in peace, Heros. May God protect your families and keep them in His grace and grant them peace in this time of sorrow.

Mixon, rot in Hell.

**maryhaze** · March 26th, 2009, 03:16 PM

i work with a LOT of police officers. we share the same sense of humor & have seen the results of human cruelty. not to mention, that my ex-canine dogs are probably the closest to me. my heart goes out to the families of the fallen. i'm glad that sob got what he deserved, sadly it was too quick a death for me.

**Athena** · March 26th, 2009, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by Aslan

Every single one of these people should have been tazed on the spot.

Right, because that's how our government should respond to freedom of speech.

I'm not condoning these people's behavior in any way, but let's not be rash.

Originally Posted by penelopejo

He murdered men that are protecting your lives.

It's hard to look at it like that when you live in the hood. Cops harass you, rob you, assault you, occasionally kill you... really, it's quite easy to come to the conclusion that cops are doing anything but protecting your life when you live in a poor, urban environment and you're black.

These people's response was deplorable, but in the hood, cops are viewed like any other rival gang. Sadly, it only takes a few bad apples to earn that kind of reputation for everyone.

**Silvahalo** · March 27th, 2009, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by Athena

Right, because that's how our government should respond to freedom of speech.

I'm not condoning these people's behavior in any way, but let's not be rash.

It's hard to look at it like that when you live in the hood. Cops harass you, rob you, assault you, occasionally kill you... really, it's quite easy to come to the conclusion that cops are doing anything but protecting your life when you live in a poor, urban environment and you're black.

These people's response was deplorable, but in the hood, cops are viewed like any other rival gang. Sadly, it only takes a few bad apples to earn that kind of reputation for everyone.

And it only takes one good cop to change a persons life.

I agree Athena, and see your point of view as truth. Still, its a great disrespect that anyone would say or do anything against these specific officers who no doubt have done far more good than harm, and for all we know are real hero's in their own right.

I remember, the cops coming around as a kid in a not so great part of town I lived in, and even thought they seemed mean and feared them....at least, sometimes. But I also remember that every time someone was hurt, or just needed help there they were. Sure, that's their job, but that one officer that wiped my tear and calmed my fears as he held me, didn't have to do that. I always remembered that growing up and thought, these cops are just people too, doing a very hard job and often not getting noticed for all the good they do. That simple act of kindness changed me for the better and I give my respect for men who try and choose to do better than the thugs out there just causing chaos.

**GlamourNoir** · March 27th, 2009, 03:26 PM

http://www.ktvu.com/news/19025828/detail.html

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Oakland school district officials say they're investigating why they were not told about the rape of a 12-year-old girl linked to Lovelle Mixon.

Police say the incident occurred on February 5th, just blocks from Markham Elementary School.

According to authorities, DNA evidence linked Mixon to the crime just one day before he shot and killed the four Oakland police officers.

It's not a very large article but I imagine we'll be seeing a LOT more info about this.

Wonder if the people that held the vigil for him knew this little tidbit about their "true hero." Good job dipshits, if you didn't look like the biggest jackasses on the planet before, you sure do now!