Manhunt Underway: 7 Hospitalized After Targeted Sidewalk Hit-and-Run in Uptown Oakland

OAKLAND, CA — A manhunt is intensifying in the Bay Area after a driver allegedly steered a vehicle onto a crowded sidewalk yesterday morning, striking seven pedestrians near the historic Fox Theater.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. Sunday in the 500 block of 18th Street. According to the Oakland Police Department, the driver intentionally targeted the group following reports of a fight in the nearby Uptown neighborhood. The victims, comprised of six adults and one juvenile, were all transported to local hospitals. Officials confirmed this afternoon that five of the victims have been released, while two remain in stable condition.

While the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot, police successfully apprehended two individuals attempting to leave the area and recovered two firearms. Investigators stated they have significant leads and expect to make an arrest involving the driver soon.

The violence took place just hours after the conclusion of "First Fridays," a monthly block party that draws thousands to the downtown area. While the official event ends at 9:30 p.m., the late-night crowds have placed renewed pressure on city officials to address weekend safety.

"I don't think it's fair to just put this on First Fridays, but we do have to address the fact that there are a lot more people who come to visit Oakland on that date," explained City Council Member Carroll Fife, whose district includes the Uptown area.

Local business owners, like Sean Sullivan of the bar Fluid 510, praised the increased police strategy and visibility during the event itself but called the subsequent hit-and-run "disgusting."

In response to the weekend's events and recent safety concerns, Council Member Fife will host a public town hall on June 3 at the Oakland School for the Arts to discuss the future of downtown security and youth programming.

Anyone with information or cell phone video of the driver or the initial altercation at 18th Street and Telegraph Avenue is urged to contact the Oakland Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division.

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