On April 3, 2013, the Oakland Police responded to a report of an armed robbery downtown. According to police, the 911 call said that 3 males aged 22-26 years old were responsible.

A female officer arriving at the scene found three teenage males 15-16 years old nearby, told them to “freeze” and put their hands up. They complied and did so. Officer Bryan Clifford1 rushed onto the scene, and in perceiving (he claims) some unknown threat, shot at one of the teenagers, Frenswa Raynor, grazing his face.

Chief Jordan says that his police department is committed to transparency. However, they initially withheld the officer’s name and still decline to state the nature of the perceived threat.

The family has retained attorney John Burris.

References:

  1. Peele, Thomas. “Oakland police: Too quick to fire?” Bay Area News Group, May 2, 2013
  2. KTVU, ”Oakland police mistakenly shoot teen on downtown street”
  3. OPD Press Release, ”Officer-Involved Shooting Community Update, 1000 Block of Jefferson Street, 4/3/13”
  4. “Innocent teen shot in face by police retains civil rights attorney.” KTVU, April 15, 2013.
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