OPD issues alert over robbery, sexual assault near Lake Merritt
on January 20, 2011
The Oakland Police Department has issued an alert regarding a robbery and sexual assault in the Lake Merritt area that occurred on the evening of Tuesday, January 18. According to the OPD, the woman was targeted as she came home. The suspect is an African-American male in his early twenties.
The OPD released a similar report in September, 2010, regarding two robberies turned sexual assaults against women in the Lake Merritt area who were attacked on their way home, and is looking into a possible connection between the incidents.
The OPD has recommended the following safety precautions:
– Always be aware of your surroundings. Don’t be distracted by cell phones and electronic devices
– Stay in well lit and populated areas
– Be especially alert when entering and exiting your vehicle
– Remember to lock your car door after entering your vehicle
– If someone or something looks suspicious call the police
Anyone with information that may lead to the identification or arrest of the suspect is asked to call the Oakland Police Department at (510) 238-3641.
Editor’s Note: The original version of this article mistakenly listed the date of the assault as Wednesday, January 18 but has been corrected to Tuesday, January 18.
5 Comments
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Is there a better description of “area of Lake Merritt” or where one kind find more info? What streets whats this woman coming home….was it East 18th or Lakeshore or Adams Pt? Where the other women on the lake trail jogging? Knowing this info will help change my path or times I walk the lake. Thank you
I agree with May. Knowing that this incident happened does help us to be more aware at all times anywhere we are, however more details about this incident would be very much appreciated, if available.
I also have to wonder if the woman who was attacked was not following the guidance listed in this article. You would like to hope that all of these tips are common knowledge by now. The best advice that I always try to follow is simply never walk alone at night. And if you absolutely must, at least carry pepper spray and have some knowledge of self defense tactics. Simply “staying on guard” isn’t all that useful if the attacker is determined to go through with his or her actions.
Hi May,
This is the only geographic information that the OPD has released so far, as the case is still under investigation. We’ll be sure to update with any additional information they may release as soon as it becomes available.
— Oakland North Staff
So OPD is sooo understaff because of Quan; criminals are no longer afraid?
[…] at E. 18th Street and Lakeshore Avenue. A similar third robbery and sexual assault was reported on January 18, 2011. On February 7, another woman reported being sexually assaulted and then beaten while returning […]