The arrests of two additional minors earlier this month in relation to a December shooting and robbery that claimed the life of an East Oakland father were announced by Oakland police on Thursday.
A 14-year-old boy was allegedly robbed of his scooter on December 26 by three youths, ages 15, 13, and 11, as he was going to get food from a taco truck near his house at Foothill Boulevard and 11th Avenue.
After the 14-year-old alerted his father, Ponciano “Chano” Tule Bernal, about the alleged theft, the two of them eventually located the three boys and confronted them, according to the police.
According to authorities and a GoFundMe page created to support Bernal’s family, the suspects followed the two as they were leaving and then shot Bernal in the heart at around 4 p.m. in the 1700 block of 14th Avenue.
The GoFundMe account states, “I saw my dad fall to the ground in front of our house, choking on his own blood, and he died within seconds,” adding that Bernal also left behind a daughter, age eight.
The 15-year-old was apprehended by police on January 1. The other two individuals were taken into custody on January 15, according to Oakland Police Lt. Gloria Beltran on Thursday.
According to Beltran, the 11-year-old has not been charged due to their age, the 13-year-old was charged in connection with the robbery, and the 15-year-old was charged in connection with Bernal’s death and the alleged robbery.
Beltran stated that several phone calls, community tips, surveillance video footage, and assistance from other law enforcement agencies helped investigators identify the culprits.
“It’s a very unfortunate situation that these juveniles were out there involved in these crimes,” she stated.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.