Several arrests made in killing of Oakland police officer

“This is just the beginning of a lengthy legal process; we are hopeful that it will start the healing for Officer Le’s grieving family and our entire OPD family,” the department said in a Facebook post. “We are committed to keeping you all informed throughout the investigation.”

While the department did not disclose the names of the suspects or how many arrests were made, it said its investigation is ongoing and that the arrests represent “significant progress.”

Le, 36, was working with other officers in what police described as a burglary operation and responded early Friday morning to a call about a burglary in progress at a cannabis business in the 400 block of the Embarcadero. Police say one of the people leaving the business opened fire on the officers when they arrived.

Le, who was in plainclothes and driving an unmarked vehicle, was struck by gunfire. He was transported to Highland Hospital in Oakland, where he died from his wounds.

Barry Donelan, the president of the Oakland Police Officers Association, praised the arrests in a statement. “Thank you to the members of the Oakland Police Department and allied law enforcement agencies who have worked tirelessly to bring about the swift arrests of suspects involved in our brother’s murder,” he said “We continue to grieve along with Officer Le’s family but take solace from the progress of the investigation and the relentless pursuit of justice by the professional and dedicated members of the department.”

Donelan’s statement also said the U.S. Marshals Service assisted with the arrest of a “key suspect” last night in Livermore.

ABC7 reported that a private memorial for Le is scheduled for Jan. 9. Details for a public service have not been released, the outlet said.

Le was the 54th Oakland police officer killed in the line of duty, according to the Oakland Police Officers Association. He had been with the department for nearly four years.