Oakland firefighters use Jaws of Life during call, put the tool down — and it’s stolen
In the middle of a rescue call last week, someone stole the Jaws of Life from Oakland firefighters, authorities said.
Firefighters had brought out the tool during the call. After they used it, fire officials discovered the equipment had been taken, according to a spokesperson with the Oakland Police Department.
Used by emergency personnel after serious car crashes, the hydraulic tool pries open or cuts through wreckage to rescue someone inside. The Jaws of Life can be operated by one person and generally weighs around 50 pounds.
An Oakland police spokesperson said their tool was taken at about 7:15 p.m. Friday in the 1600 block of West Street.
Cristian Perez Latorre is charged with assault and battery, accused of harmful surgery without a proper license in 2021, the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office said.
Police released no information about suspects.
A spokesperson for the Oakland Fire Department said the agency was working with police to recover the tool.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oakland Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at (510) 238-3728.
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