Standoff ends with suspect evading capture

OAKLAND, Calif. -- A murder suspect believed to have been inside a West Oakland home that was surrounded by police Monday was not found after a SWAT team searched the residence, a police spokeswoman said.

Police surrounded the home in the 900 block of 21st Street and blocked off streets in the area after receiving a call at 11:23 a.m. about a dispute there.

Some people who were inside the home exited the residence and told officers that an additional person was inside and was wanted for a homicide in Oakland, police spokeswoman Officer Johnna Watson said.

The suspect was identified as Godfrey Jamal Jackson, 27, who has a warrant for his arrest in connection with the Sept. 6 fatal shooting of MiAndrew Rachel, 24, in the 900 block of West MacArthur Boulevard.

Officers made numerous attempts to contact Jackson but were unable to do so, Watson said.

The SWAT team, a hostage negotiation team and a K-9 unit were called in and were assisted by a California Highway Patrol helicopter, Watson said.

Police fired beanbag rounds at the home's windows to break the glass before shooting tear gas canisters into the residence to try to force the suspect out, Watson said.

The SWAT team entered the home and after a thorough search of the residence concluded shortly before 5 p.m. that the suspect was no longer inside, Watson said.

The suspect is being treated as armed and dangerous, Watson said.

Several streets were blocked, including Market Street from 18th Street to 21st Street, 18th Street from Market to Filbert Street, and Myrtle Street from 18th to West Grand Avenue.

Police evacuated half a dozen homes in the immediate area, she said.

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