Police technicians gather evidence at the scene of a shooting in downtown Oakland at the intersection of Lakeside Drive and Madison Street. Lake Merritt is visible in the background. 9-4-2023, Oakland CA (Harry Harris/Bay Area News Group)
OAKLAND — Police sought clues to a shooting Monday afternoon in Oakland near Lake Merritt that left an innocent bystander in critical condition after she was wounded by gunfire.
A woman who was walking her dog in downtown Oakland alongside the sun-drenched lake was shot after multiple people got out of a vehicle and shot at a second automobile traveling on Lakeside Drive, according to Oakland police officers.
The gunfire wounded the unidentified woman at least once, authorities reported. She was taken to the hospital and was in critical but stable condition, according to police.
The dog was unhurt, police reported.
The gunshots were fired near the corner of Lakeside Drive and Madison Street. The woman was walking her dog next to the lake.
One vehicle stopped and occupants of that automobile got out and began shooting at another vehicle that was traveling down Lakeside Drive, authorities reported.
The woman was hit at least once, according to police.
The vehicles sped away from the scene of the gunfire.
The Oakland Police Department received multiple calls regarding the shooting.
Police officers raced to the scene of the reported gunfire. When they arrived they discovered the gunshot victim.
The innocent bystander was transported to the hospital, where she was reported to be in critical but stable condition, according to police officers.
Oakland police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the shooters in the gunfight.
People are asked to call the Oakland Police Department at 510-238-3426 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572.
Originally published at Harry Harris, George Avalos