OAKLAND, Calif. – A violent confrontation at Cash for Gold on Wednesday evening has resulted in the deaths of two attempted robbery suspects and left several others injured. The incident unfolded around 7:45 p.m. at the jewelry exchange store located on International Boulevard.
According to Sam Singer, a spokesman for the Oakland Police Association, a group of five armed suspects entered the establishment intending to commit robbery. In a decisive response, the shop owner exchanged gunfire with the intruders. Law enforcement reported that two suspects were pronounced dead: one at the scene and the other later at a local hospital.
In addition to the fatalities, three other suspects sustained injuries during the exchange and were transported to the hospital for treatment. Sources indicate that a worker inside the shop managed to activate a silent alarm just before the gunfire erupted, alerting authorities to the ongoing threat.
The shop owner was also wounded in the incident but is reportedly recovering at the hospital. Friends of the owner stated that he is expected to make a full recovery. Eyewitness cellphone footage captured him giving a thumbs-up to onlookers as he was wheeled into an ambulance, a positive sign amidst the chaos.
The shooting drew significant police presence and attracted a crowd of residents, many of whom gathered outside to capture the scene and seek information about the events that transpired. The reaction has sparked conversations about safety and crime in the area.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee’s office expressed acknowledgment and concern regarding the violent incident, emphasizing feelings of frustration surrounding the events.
As the investigation continues, the Oakland Police Department has scheduled a news conference at 2 p.m. to provide further details about the incident and address community concerns. The situation remains fluid, with many residents left to process the shocking turn of events at the local business.
