Statement from Alameda Police Chief Nishant Joshi

Published on December 20, 2024

December 20, 2024 Update: In October 2024, charges were dismissed against Officers Leahy and Fisher. Charges were not dismissed against Officer McKinley because he was out of state at the time. Today, the Alameda Police Department was notified that the District Attorney is no longer moving forward with the case against Officer McKinley and will be dismissing all charges.

April 19, 2024 Statement from Alameda Police Chief Nishant Joshi regarding charges against Alameda police officers

Yesterday, Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price reversed the decision of previous District Attorney Nancy O’Malley and filed charges against three Alameda police officers involved in the in-custody death of Mario Gonzalez in 2021.

On March 30, 2022, District Attorney O’Malley stated the evidence does not justify criminal charges and found no criminal liability in the death of Mr. Gonzalez, based on the recommendations from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the lead investigative agency in this matter, and the Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau Investigator’s report and Autopsy report. Alameda County Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez stands behind the investigation conducted by her investigators. The City of Alameda’s independent investigation, conducted by former San Francisco City Attorney and County Supervisor Louise Renne, came to the same conclusion that no criminal or policy misconduct occurred.

After assuming the position of Alameda Police Chief, I conducted a fourth independent review of all previous investigations and concurred that Alameda police officers did not engage in any misconduct and I stand by that decision today. All officers were returned to full duty.

Upon notification of the charges, as of April 17, Officers Leahy and McKinley were again placed on leave until this matter is resolved, and Officer Fisher now works for the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office.

I have always been confident in the justice system. We will cooperate fully in this and all matters. The Alameda Police Department remains committed to serving our community with integrity and transparency.