Oakland police: Two sideshow promoters arrested after seven-month investigation

Oakland officers arrested two people suspected of promoting a sideshow Friday after a seven-month investigation, the city's police department said.

Officers arrested one suspect in connection with a Sept. 25, 2025, sideshow after executing a search warrant at an East Oakland home, where they also seized two firearms and fake driver's licenses. Another suspect was later located and arrested.

Last year's "large, highly disruptive sideshow" started on Market Street and West Grand Avenue before moving to the 2200 block of Middle Harbor Road and neighboring cities, police said. Investigations have identified other suspected organizers.

Police said they remain committed to disrupting and preventing sideshows. Separately, Oakland officers arrested two people and seized six cars last September in connection with an August sideshow.

In San Francisco, lawmakers passed legislation last year to double fines for misdemeanor sideshows from $500 to $1,000.

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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 7:11 PM.