Oakland police link 18 shootings to gambling feud

Police in Oakland report a rise in violence linked to illegal gambling operations. They have connected at least 18 recent shootings to a feud between rival gambling shacks. The violence has resulted in injuries to five people. Authorities have targeted several suspected gambling locations. Notably, four shacks faced police raids earlier this month. Officers seized gambling machines, firearms, and drugs during these operations. A key figure in this issue, 33-year-old Wai “Weezy” Hoang, has been arrested. Hoang is accused of running two illegal casinos on 17th Avenue. His history includes a past assault conviction related to a violent incident at his gambling den. Hoang was released on a plea deal after a separate incident in which a patron was beaten. Despite his criminal background, a recent probation report categorized him as a low risk for re-offending. However, police conducted another raid at his property on March 5. During this raid, Hoang tried to escape but was eventually caught. He is currently held at Santa Rita Jail without bail and is set for a parole revocation hearing soon.