Oakland Sideshows Lead to Fires, Police Criticism

Early Sunday morning, Oakland saw violent sideshows at several locations, including Foothill Boulevard and 55th Street, International Boulevard and 42nd Street, and 98th Avenue and Empire Road, resulting in at least three cars being set on fire and one person critically injured. Participants spun donuts, set off fireworks, and caused major disruptions, with local businesses sustaining property damage. The Oakland Police Department responded by issuing 10 citations, towing three vehicles, and clearing the intersections by about 4:30 a.m. Fire crews extinguished the burning vehicles, and authorities are continuing to investigate and identify additional vehicles involved. The Oakland police union criticized the city's police staffing levels, warning that officers are 'outgunned' and that such incidents could increase over the summer. Residents and business owners have expressed growing concerns about public safety.