A devastating crash in East Oakland that claimed three lives and left seven others injured has led to a 17-year-old boy being formally charged with manslaughter. The unidentified teenager faces charges following the Saturday night incident, which occurred around 11:15 p.m. outside a store at the intersection of 85th Avenue and International Boulevard.
According to Oakland Police Chief James Beere, the Chevrolet Avalanche was traveling at over 50 miles per hour when it struck several vehicles and made a delayed turn. The driver then mounted the sidewalk and plowed into a group of people. Three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene: Miguel Sanchez Ramirez, 44; Charles Blackmon, 65; and Robert Dixon, 64, as confirmed by the Alameda County Coroner's Office.
Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced the formal charges on Wednesday. The crash also injured seven others, with one victim remaining in critical condition. Dickson stated, 'As I see the charges right now, there are at least ten victims. Those charges range from charges relating to the death of individuals or injury and hit and run.'
The teenage suspect attempted to flee on foot after the crash but was restrained by witnesses until police arrived. Cornelius Reed, who was at the scene, told KTVU that he tried to help the injured, including some of his lifelong friends. The teen sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital before being released into police custody.
Dickson expressed grief over the tragedy, saying, 'We were all grieving. This is a terrible tragedy and I can't even imagine folks who were close to the individuals who were lost on this evening what they are going through.' The suspect appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday afternoon at the Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center.
Tributes for the Victims
The community has been mourning the loss of the three victims. Miguel Sanchez Ramirez, owner of Doggy Loco and known as 'hotdog man,' is remembered as a 'loving son, an attentive uncle and cousin and a great friend,' according to a GoFundMe page. Funds will support his funeral and transport to Mexico for his mother to say goodbye.
Charles Blackmon, a retired veteran and 'respected father' and grandfather, was described by a friend on Facebook as 'such a giving person. Anytime somebody asked you for something, you would always give it to them.' His niece called him a 'wonderful uncle' who was always there for her.
Robert Dixon, nicknamed Frog, was a large presence in the community who 'touched so many peoples lives.' A friend wrote, 'I love you Uncle Frog. This is devastating to me because I know you were one of the few that really cared about me genuinely.' Dixon, a father, brother, uncle, and husband, left behind three triplet grandchildren.
Crowds gathered at the crash site on Monday to mourn. Mayor Barbara Lee said, 'We're mourning the lives lost on Saturday... Our hearts are with the victims, their families, their loved ones and all of those impacted.'
