Published December 29, 2023, Friday

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA — The Oakland Police Department lost one of their own today, as plainclothes Officer Tuan Le this morning was part of an overnight burglary unit and died at 0844 hours this morning after being shot multiple times during an ambush.

According to a presser by the Interim Police Chief, City Official, and the Mayor, a call was dispatched at 0100 hours this morning to a business in the 400 block of Embarcadero to a burglary in progress at a cannabis dispensary business. 

(Right) Photo Credit: Oakland PD

After clearing the scene initially (first dispatched call), they were called back again at 0433 hours on the same day and to the same business. Multiple suspects were seen leaving the business and began to flee.

While Police were conducting an investigation, one of the suspects released several rounds of gunfire striking Officer Le’s unmarked patrol unit and hitting him around 0445 hours. He was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.

Oakland Police have a map where when they respond to crimes and incidents, it is placed on a map with icons of the calls they respond to. It is managed by the City of Oakland and can be found here: https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/police-data

At 0844, Officer Le succumbed to his injuries and passed away at the hospital. He was surrounded by his wife, mom, and his OPD family.

(L) Officer Tan Le, 36 was a four-year veteran of the Oakland Police Department.

Photo Credit: OPD

The Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Division is investigating Officer Le’s Line-of-Duty Death and if you have any video or tips, please contact Detectives at 510-238-3821.

Please keep his wife, immediate and OPD family members in your prayers and thoughts as they grieve their tragic loss.

To learn more about this Officer and his tragic death, you can visit the Officer Down Memorial Page: https://www.odmp.org/officer/26878-police-officer-tuan-le

(Below) Oakland Firefighters line to overpasses and roadways to honor the life of Officer Le by showing their respect. The image tells it in a million words. Photo Credit: OFF IAFF Local 55

If you are a member of Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, First Responder, or Dispatcher and are having difficulty with this loss, please reach out to Safe Call Now, which is a CONFIDENTIAL, comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral service for all public safety employees, all emergency services personnel and their family members nationwide. 

(Below) Oakland Aerial units fly a flag in honor of the life of Officer Le by showing their respect. The image tells it in a million words, like the one above. Photo Credit: OFF IAFF Local 55

If you are not part of a first responder family and are struggling with this Officer’s death or any other type of crisis, please contact the National Crisis Line by calling 988.

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