Newly Unearthed Video Details Controversial Police Action in Oakland

Newly released body camera footage has brought scrutiny upon several police officers following an incident in December 2024 involving a homeless man named Shaquille Coleman in Oakland, California.

The video captures officers interacting with Coleman after he allegedly refused to vacate a local shopping area. Coleman was reportedly wearing a chain inscribed with the word “King” and had his hair styled in braids during the encounter.

Confrontation and Use of Force

The footage shows an exchange where San Leandro Police Officer Suzanne Man asks Coleman for identification, stating, “I’m asking you, who are you? It’s a lawful order, I’m asking you.” Coleman reportedly responded, “It was no problem.”

Officer Ismael Navarro then instructed Coleman to place his hands behind his back. Coleman appeared to resist the officers' attempts to place him into their police vehicle.

During the struggle, Navarro was seen reaching into the back seat and pulling Coleman’s braids in an effort to secure him in the car. After an officer pointed a taser at Coleman's chest, he complied, allowing the officers to close the vehicle door.

Decision to Relocate and 'Dump' Coleman

The officers subsequently decided against formally arresting Coleman, believing they lacked sufficient evidence for such action, noting that a person must pose a danger to themselves or others for that specific hold.

Instead, the officers planned to transport Coleman far north of the area to prevent his return to the vicinity of a BART station. Officer Mann stated their intention: “We’re going to go way north and then dump him and then we’re going to go back to them.”

Mann informed her supervisor, Lieutenant Antwinette Turner, of this plan. The video shows the officers dropping Coleman off, with Navarro reportedly returning his braids to him.

Expert Criticism and Official Response

The conduct displayed in the video has prompted significant concern, particularly regarding Lieutenant Turner’s passive role. Police practices expert and former SFPD commander Rich Corriea criticized the supervisor’s inaction.

Corriea noted, “You can’t in the 21st century go to a scene as a boss and not do anything.” He emphasized that supervisors are expected to provide guidance and value, not remain passive observers.

San Leandro Chief Angela Averiett has since initiated a third-party investigation into the incident. The review concluded that “certain personnel violated department policies” and have subsequently received corrective action, though the specifics of these actions remain undisclosed.

Allegations of Retaliation

The attorney for Coleman, Mike Rains, has suggested that Coleman has experienced retaliation since first reporting the incident over a year ago. Rains stated, “He feels like the result has been that he’s been shunned... He’s been discriminated against. He’s been retaliated against, and the treatment he’s received within this administration.”

Regarding the use of force, an expert suggested that when force is applied, officers must ensure they document it properly. This documentation should involve taking the individual into custody, informing them they are under arrest, and filing a report for the District Attorney to review.