Violent holiday night in Hayward leads to multiple injuries, two fatalities

HAYWARD, Calif., On Tuesday, July 4, 2023, and into the early hours of this morning, Hayward Police officers responded to numerous reports of violence, including four shootings and one stabbing. Arrests have been made in two of the incidents, and investigators are seeking additional suspects.

While these incidents are still in the beginning stages of their investigation, the following information is available at this time:

12:44 P.M. - Shooting Investigation:  An adult male suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound near the 500 block of Harris Road.  The victim and believed shooter are acquaintances and the shooter is in custody. The report number is 2023-37627.

7:40 P.M. - Homicide Investigation: Two community members, one of whom is a juvenile, located an unresponsive adult male near the 1100 block of W. Tennyson Road and called 9-1-1. Officers responded and found the victim, with multiple stab wounds, deceased at the scene. There is no one in custody. The report number is 2023-37696.

10:14 P.M. - Shooting Investigation: Six people were shot (two critically injured) at a gathering on Ranker Place near Manon Avenue. Preliminary information indicated there was a fight among several subjects before shots were fired. One of the critically injured individuals being treated at a local hospital has been identified as one of the shooters, and the investigation indicates additional shooters may be outstanding. The report number is 2023-37757.

11:25 P.M. - Shooting Investigation: One person was shot during a sideshow-related incident near the 1000 block Folsom Avenue. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at a local hospital. There is no one in custody. The report number is 2023-37759

11:30 P.M. - Homicide Investigation: Three people were shot, and two victims were injured by a vehicle engaging in a sideshow-related incident in the area of Miami Ave and Florida St. One of the shooting victims died at the hospital. The other four victims are in stable condition and are receiving treatment at local hospitals. There is no one in custody. The report number is 2023-37760.

Some of the shooting victims related to these incidents were taken to local hospitals by witnesses or other community members prior to the arrival of medical personnel.  The total number of victims from last night through this morning totals 14.

Based on our preliminary investigation of each incident, there is no reason to believe any of these incidents are related.

Hayward Police officers were out in greater numbers last night due to the Fourth of July holiday.  In addition to these incidents, officers responded to numerous fireworks-related calls and multiple reports of sideshows. Due to strained resources on patrol to investigate the stabbing and shootings, officers responding to firework related calls were reallocated to assist with these high priority calls for service.

Acting Chief Bryan Matthews spoke about the evening and said, “The sheer number of incidents in Hayward last night was unprecedented. What should have been a celebration of our nation’s independence amongst family and loved ones ended in tragedy for too many.

First, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to those who were injured, as well as to the family members and loved ones of those who lost their lives. We cannot imagine their sadness as they are forced cope with this unimaginable loss.

Second, I want to condemn the violence that has taken place in the last 24 hours. The Hayward Police Department is committed to the safety of every community member in Hayward, and we will investigate every aspect of these cases to ensure anyone responsible for these acts is brought to justice.

While staffing levels and available resources have been stretched, personnel at every rank came together last night and worked diligently to safely secure each crime scene and ensure every detail was thoroughly investigated. Their dedication and effort speak to the high-quality caliber of men and women working for the Hayward Police Department.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge and thank our partners at the Union City Police Department, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol, for their assistance in responding to other priority calls for service in Hayward while we investigated this extraordinarily high number of events.”

Anyone with information related to these incidents, and those responsible, should contact the Criminal Investigations Bureau at 510-293-7176.