Gov. Gavin Newsom's strategy to increase the California Highway Patrol's presence in Oakland and the East Bay earlier this month has paid off in the form of dozens of arrests, the CHP said Wednesday morning.
The initial operation to add 120 CHP officers to work with local law enforcement resulted in 71 arrests, 145 stolen vehicles recovered and the seizure of four crime-linked guns over a five-day span, the CHP said.
"Through coordinated efforts with local partners and increased deployment, CHP is making a difference and making Oakland and the East Bay safer," Newsom said in a statement. "We’re sending a clear message: Crime will not go unchecked in Oakland and East Bay neighborhoods. I’m grateful for the men and women of the CHP who are assisting in the local-led effort to turn the tide."
Suspects were arrested for charges including possession of stolen property, auto theft, drug possession, DUI and felony gun possession, as well as arrests for outstanding warrants, the CHP said.
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One arrest involved the suspect in a widely seen video of an East Bay Apple Store smash-and-grab in which he stole dozens of iPhones, the CHP said.
Oakland has been under scrutiny recenty because of a 21% rise in violent crime, a 38% increase in robberies and a 45% spike in car thefts last year, according to preliminary numbers.
"These initial surge results show that when we work together, we improve public safety," Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao said in a statement. "The City of Oakland is grateful for Governor Newsom’s support to boost our local efforts to dismantle criminal enterprises, arrest suspects, and hold them accountable. Crime and violence don’t belong on Oakland’s streets — and the city won’t rest until a sense of safety and security is fully restored."
All cases will be sent to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
The surge operations are expected to continue, according to the CHP. The agency currently has 72 officers assigned to the greater Oakland area.
