“Beloved Castlemont Teacher Tragically Killed by Bystander in Oakland CHP Chase”

Boomer was walking with his partner near E. 21st Street and 12th Avenue when tragedy struck around 7:45 p.m. A suspect fleeing from the California Highway Patrol crashed into a fire hydrant, which broke off and hit Boomer. Witnesses reported that he died on the spot.

News of Boomer’s death reached his colleagues at Castlemont High School on the last day of school. As students were leaving for summer, the somber announcement reminded everyone of the loss. Jone Harris, the school’s security lead, shared that Boomer was known for his kindness and willingness to help others. He was the head of the Linked Learning department, a vital program aimed at preparing students for their careers. Before this role, he taught math at Castlemont for four years and was passionate about education. Boomer had also achieved a Ph.D. in philosophy, focusing on educational research and policy from North Carolina State University.

The school community was understandably shaken. Many teachers opted not to comment as they left that day, and the school principal indicated he wasn’t ready to speak on the matter.

Local advocacy group the Anti-Police Terror Project (APTP) organized a vigil at the crash site to honor Boomer. APTP founder Cat Brooks expressed frustration over police chases, suggesting they are dangerous and don’t effectively reduce crime. “What do they want to do? Chase at 100 miles per hour? That only increases the risk to innocent lives,” she said.

In recent years, police chases have sparked debates across the nation. According to a 2021 study by the National Institute of Justice, high-speed pursuits often lead to severe injuries or fatalities not just for suspects, but for bystanders as well. Many communities are calling for tighter regulations on such actions, seeking to balance law enforcement efficacy with public safety.

As society grapples with issues of police accountability, Boomer’s story serves as a painful reminder of the real-life consequences these incidents can have. It’s a call for reflection on how we can improve our systems to protect everyone—civilians and law enforcement alike.



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California Highway Patrol,police pursuit,pursuit policy,Traffic collisions