Full Breakdown
Oakland Police Officers Under Investigation for Treatment of Homeless Man
3/31/2026, 10:41:53 PM
Incident Overview: Police Conduct in Question
In December 2024, San Leandro police officers were recorded in body camera footage engaging with 33-year-old Shaquille Coleman, a homeless man, after he refused to leave a shopping area. The footage, recently uncovered by Sgt. Mike Olivera of the San Leandro Police Internal Affairs, shows officers struggling to manage Coleman, who was uncooperative and did not identify himself. The situation escalated when Officer Ismael Navarro pulled Coleman’s braids to assist in placing him in the police vehicle. The officers ultimately decided to transport Coleman to a gas station seven miles away from the original location, effectively abandoning him.
Decision-Making Process of Officers
During the encounter, Officer Suzanne Mann debated placing Coleman under a psychiatric hold but determined there was insufficient evidence to justify such action. Instead, she proposed to drop him off at a location away from a BART station to prevent his return. This plan was approved by her supervisor, Lieutenant Antwinette Turner. The officers’ decision to abandon Coleman has raised significant concerns regarding their judgment and adherence to protocol.
Investigation and Consequences
Following the release of the footage, San Leandro Police Chief Angela Averiett initiated a third-party investigation, which concluded that certain officers violated department policies. Although the specific corrective actions taken against the officers remain undisclosed, the incident has sparked discussions about police accountability and the treatment of vulnerable populations.
Criticism of Police Actions
Experts have criticized the officers’ conduct, emphasizing the need for active leadership in such situations. Former SFPD commander Rich Corriea remarked, “You can’t in the 21st century go to a scene as a boss and not do anything.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the responsibilities of police supervisors in ensuring appropriate responses to individuals in crisis.
Retaliation Allegations
Sgt. Mike Olivera, who reported the incident, has alleged that he faced retaliation from the department following his whistleblowing. His attorney, Mike Rains, stated that Olivera feels he has been shunned and discriminated against within the department. Rains criticized the officers' handling of the situation, arguing that proper protocol would have involved formally arresting Coleman and documenting the incident for legal review.
What's Next
The San Leandro Police Department continues to face scrutiny over its handling of the incident, with ongoing discussions about policy reforms and training aimed at improving interactions with homeless individuals. The outcome of the investigation and any potential changes in departmental practices remain to be seen.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Well, shoot, actually, they’re saying he didn’t do anything?” — Officer Suzanne Mann
- “You can’t in the 21st century go to a scene as a boss and not do anything,” — Rich Corriea, Former SFPD Commander
- “He feels like the result has been that he’s been shunned,” — Mike Rains, Attorney for Sgt. Mike Olivera
