Two men arrested for shooting at Oakland police
on February 7, 2011
Two men were arrested and booked for attempted murder early Saturday evening after shooting at police officers near the corner of 58th and Genoa Streets in Oakland.
Officers were dispatched to the scene at 6:40 p.m. because of reports that a man, later identified as Benny Martin, 31, was shooting at a passing vehicle.
Investigators say that Martin, who was recently released from prison on federal drug charges, was not shooting at anyone or anything in particular.
“By his own account, he was upset, having a bad day and decided to start shooting his gun,” said Officer Holly Joshi, the Oakland Police Department spokesperson.
When they arrived, officers found Martin on the 800 block of 59th Street, and identified him based on witness descriptions. As the officers approached, Joshi said, Martin started shooting again, this time in the direction of the officers, although no one was shot or injured.
Martin fled on foot but was located shortly thereafter riding in a vehicle driven by Anthony Perry, 20. The men, both Oakland residents, were arrested, taken to North County Jail and booked for attempted murder.
According to Joshi, neither suspect was intoxicated at the time of their arrest.
Joshi said that suspects are affiliated with a gang but would not name it. She did say, however, that neither is named in the North Oakland gang injunction.
The district attorney will review the case and decide whether or not to file formal charges against the men tomorrow.
OPD is still investigating, and anyone with information is asked to call (510) 238-3426.
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