A message from Chief Bryan Matthews regarding critical incident that occurred in March 2025

I am aware The Bay Area News Group recently published an article regarding a criminal investigation, which stems from an incident that occurred in March 2025 involving the death of a subject named Mr. Nathan Hoang.  This incident has been under investigation by multiple agencies continuously since it occurred, and while the Hayward Police Department is fully committed to public transparency, the sensitive nature of this investigation has required us to continually balance the need for public access to information and the integrity of the investigative process to prevent the contamination of witness testimony, the testimony of those directly involved, and other evidentiary material.  This balance was considered immediately following this incident and throughout the investigative process as those directly involved are entitled to an objective review of facts, not speculation based upon fragmented, unreliable information.  Hayward Police Department investigators and investigators from other involved agencies are still in the fact-finding phases of this investigation.  There is much we do not know and many questions that still must be answered. 

The Hayward Police Department has treated this as a critical incident, and we initiated several investigations pursuant to our protocols in the immediate aftermath of this incident.  They are as follows: 

1. The Hayward Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Bureau is conducting an investigation into the actions of Mr. Hoang who is a suspect in the burglary of an occupied residence.
2. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the actions of the involved Officers and other responding personnel.
3. An outside consulting firm comprised of use of force experts, in partnership with the Hayward Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit, are conducting an administrative investigation into policy compliance by the involved Officers. 

I am committed to making the investigative findings available publicly as soon as possible, within the boundaries of the law, without compromising the integrity of the investigative process or the due process rights of those directly involved.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.