Teen Faces 7 Felony Charges in Oakland Crash That Killed Teacher; Attorney Cites 'No Malicious Intent'

Oakland, California – Eric Hernandez-Garcia, 18, has been charged by the Alameda County District Attorney's office with seven felonies following a May 28 crash that killed Castlemont High School teacher Marvin Boomer. The incident occurred after a California Highway Patrol (CHP) pursuit, reigniting a contentious debate over police chase policies in the city. Hernandez-Garcia's attorney, Roseann Torres, stated that her client, who has "significant learning disabilities," panicked during the chase and had no "malicious intent," seeking a $50,000 bail instead of a no-bail status.

The fatal collision transpired when Hernandez-Garcia, driving an Infiniti G35, was pursued by CHP officers who had identified the vehicle as "wanted" in connection with a prior felony evading incident. CHP asserts they terminated the ground pursuit before the crash, with an aircraft continuing to monitor the vehicle. However, the car, traveling at speeds up to 80 mph, struck a minivan before careening into a parked car, a tree, and a fire hydrant, which then struck and killed Marvin Boomer.

Marvin Boomer, a beloved 39-year-old math teacher and College & Career Pathways Coach at Castlemont High School, was walking with his girlfriend, Nina Woodruff, when the incident occurred. Woodruff, who was injured, recounted that Boomer pushed her out of the way, saving her life in a final act of selflessness. The Oakland Unified School District described Dr. Boomer as a "beloved and vital member of the Castlemont family," whose "warmth, wisdom, and joyful spirit left a lasting impact.

The tragedy has intensified the ongoing discussion regarding police pursuit policies in Oakland. The Oakland Police Department (OPD) has a more restrictive policy than the CHP, generally limiting chases to violent felonies or armed suspects and requiring termination if speeds exceed 50 mph without supervisory approval. Governor Gavin Newsom has criticized Oakland's strict policy, advocating for more latitude in pursuits, while community groups like the Anti-Police Terror Project argue that high-speed chases endanger innocent lives and do not effectively reduce crime.

Hernandez-Garcia’s attorney also disputes initial claims that the Infiniti was stolen, asserting it belongs to his mother. The Alameda County Sheriff's Office confirmed the car had a "seizure warrant" from a May 5 reckless driving incident, but was not reported stolen. The case highlights the complex legal and social implications of police pursuits, particularly when they result in civilian casualties. Hernandez-Garcia is currently being held without bail, with his plea delayed until June 20.