Video: Fireworks and destruction at Oakland sideshow; police union responds

(KRON) — Roughly 500 people participated in an illegal sideshow event at the intersection of 41st and Howe streets in Oakland early Sunday morning, according to Oakland’s police officers union.

Video of the sideshow appears to show a frenzy of illegal fireworks, drivers performing donuts in crowded streets and participants stomping and burning a car in the middle of the public intersection. 

A limited number of Oakland Police Department officers were available to respond to the sideshow, which lasted from 2:15 a.m. to 5:30 a.m., and involved roughly 200 cars, according to a statement from Oakland Police Officers Association President Huy Nguyen.

“We share the neighbors’ frustration[s] and anger,” Nguyen said. “This morning 500 sideshow participants invaded, and we only had 16 police vehicles available to address the chaos.”

KRON4 reached out to OPD and the Oakland Fire Department Sunday but did not receive a response. However, OPD announced on social media that the department plans to increase police staffing following the chaotic street takeover.

“This weekend, OPD will be collaborating with our law enforcement partners to deploy additional resources on the streets to enforce measures against impaired driving and illegal sideshow activities,” OPD said. “If you participate in illegal sideshows in Oakland, your vehicle could be towed and seized with a 30-day hold.”

According to the Oakland Police Officers Association, OPD has 515 police officers instead of a more appropriately staffed force of 877 officers.

“There are restrictive city policies that also hinder OPD’s abilities,” the Oakland Police Officers Association said. “Police are doing everything in our power to help residents. We ask neighbors to demand the city council and mayor hire more officers and retain the ones we have now.”

OPD provided the following sideshow safety tips:

Watch the events of this morning’s takeover in the video at the top of this story.