The Oakland Police Department has decided to fire two of its officers, Walid Abdelaziz and Jimmy Marin-Coronel, who were involved in an unauthorized chase that led to the tragic death of a bystander in June 2022. A subsequent investigation raised questions about the officers' actions, as they allegedly left the scene without providing aid to the victim, according to KTVU news.
The chilling incident unfolded over a year ago when the officers attempted to chase a teenage driver along International Boulevard. The driver struck a parked vehicle, ultimately leading to the death of a 28-year-old man, Lolomanaia Soakai, and injuring others in the vicinity. The officers involved were relieved of their police powers following the event, but it was not clear when the decision to terminate them was made.
KTVU recently attempted to gain access to the Internal Affairs investigation findings but was denied. Instead, the police department claimed there were "no responsive records" under California's police transparency law, SB 1421, which mandates that sustained findings of officers who lied, used force resulting in serious injury or death, or committed sexual assault be made public. The lack of transparency in this case raises questions and concerns about how the department, and potentially other police forces, handle situations like these.
Though the findings of the investigation were not released, and the officers' attorneys have not responded to inquiries, KTVU's Henry K. Lee confirmed on Twitter that the Oakland Police Department is moving forward with the termination of Officers Walid Abdelaziz and Jimmy Marin Coronel.
UPDATE: @oakland moving to fire @oaklandpoliceca Ofcs. Walid Abdelaziz & Jimmy Marin Coronel for allegedly engaging in off-the-books chase & then leaving after driver crashed & 54th & International, killing bystander Lolomanaia Soakai, sources tell @KTVU https://t.co/dyUK8nyVYP pic.twitter.com/NwhM1eDGGc
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) September 5, 2023
