Oakland Man Charged with Attempted Murder of SFPD Officer

Suspect allegedly struck officer while fleeing police, then tried to carjack another vehicle

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:23am by Ben Kaplan

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A 26-year-old Oakland man named Joseph C. Willis II has been charged with attempted murder and other felonies after allegedly striking a San Francisco police officer with his vehicle while trying to flee from authorities on Wednesday. Willis was wanted on an unrelated case and is accused of then attempting to carjack another vehicle before being taken into custody.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers that law enforcement officers face in the line of duty, as well as the challenges of apprehending suspects who are willing to use violence to evade arrest. It also raises questions about bail reform policies and whether suspects with open felony cases should be released on their own recognizance.

The details

According to prosecutors, Willis has been charged with attempted murder, three counts of assaulting a police officer with a deadly weapon, attempted carjacking, and illegal possession of a gun and ammunition. The charges include sentencing enhancements for using a deadly weapon, inflicting great bodily injury, and committing an offense while on bail or released on his own recognizance in an unrelated felony case.

  • On Wednesday afternoon, the SFPD Community Violence Reduction Team attempted to stop a wanted suspect in a vehicle on the 800 block of 47th Street in North Oakland.
  • The suspect, later identified as Joseph C. Willis II, allegedly refused to stop and struck an SFPD officer with his vehicle.
  • Oakland police followed the vehicle and took the suspects into custody after they fled on foot.
  • Willis is scheduled to be arraigned at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland on Friday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Joseph C. Willis II

A 26-year-old Oakland resident who has been charged with attempted murder and other felonies for allegedly striking an SFPD officer with his vehicle while trying to flee from police.

Ursula Jones Dickson

The Alameda County District Attorney who announced the charges against Joseph C. Willis II.

SFPD Community Violence Reduction Team

The San Francisco police unit that attempted to stop the wanted suspect in Oakland.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold accountable those who commit violent acts against law enforcement officers who are working to keep our communities safe.”

— Ursula Jones Dickson, Alameda County District Attorney (CBS News)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Friday whether to allow Willis to be released on bail pending his trial.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the risks that police officers face in their efforts to apprehend dangerous suspects, and the importance of holding repeat offenders accountable through the criminal justice system.