On Sept. 1 at approximately 8 p.m.,, BART officers approached a man smoking on the West Oakland platform and asked him to extinguish his cigarette. Smoking on a platform is prohibited per California Penal Code 64093 and cause for citation. Upon further questioning, the man provided officers with false names, and then threatened to jump in front of an oncoming train.
Officers then made contact with the man, who resisted violently and reached for his waist. Officers tased the suspect, who then shot himself in the abdomen as he attempted to retrieve his weapon. The suspect was then transported to Highland hospital in critical condition, and West Oakland station was closed for a full investigation of events. Police have recovered the suspect's weapon and bullet casing from the scene.
BART Police Department has called the Alameda County District Attorney, who will be conducting a parallel investigation, as well as the BART Independent Police Auditor.
The two officers involved were wearing body cameras, and the footage is being reviewed.
Any shooting is a tragedy, and we regret the incident having occurred. BART thanks passengers and concerned residents for their patience as information was gathered.
