Manslaughter Felon Arrested for Murder and Shooting at Firefighters
Photo: one of Hobdy’s shots
OAKLAND — A man with a prior manslaughter conviction has been arrested on suspicion of committing a murder and next shooting at firefighters. The suspect was taken into custody shortly after both incidents occurred.
Officers responded to the 1400 block of Center Street, where gunshots were reported on January 20 at 8:41 p.m. OPD received a second report of gunfire a few minutes later that the same suspect also shot at firefighters.
Oakland resident, Ronald Sanders Jr., was fatally shot multiple times. Two firefighters were outside when Sanders was shot, near an Oakland fire station.
However, the firefighters were not injured when the suspect shot at them next. A witness reported hearing the suspect yelling that he was going to shoot before gunfire erupted. Authorities believe the suspect and homicide victim didn’t know each other.
A firefighter spotted the suspect while driving towards the fire station, where another firefighter was outside. More gunfire erupted and the firefighter’s car was riddled with bullet holes.
Officers recognized the suspect from surveillance video recorded at the scene of the shootings. They arrested William T. Hobdy, 50, from Stockton, on multiple charges. Hobdy purportedly admitted he was responsible for the shootings.
In 2017, Hobdy was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a felon. He also has two prior arrests for possession of unregistered loaded firearms.
