Crime

Officer Involved Shooting in Marin Causes Tension

Published

13 years ago

July 11, 2013

Marin City experienced its first officer involved shooting in a nearly a decade, raising questions about whether this normally calm city is being affected by the crime surge in surrounding cities.

Last Sunday, a Marin County Sheriff’s deputy was on patrol when he saw 44-year-old Chaka Grayson. From previous contact, the officer knew Grayson was driving on a suspended license, according to the Sheriff’s office.

The deputy “noticed that Mr. Grayson ducked down,” the Sheriff’s office said When asked to show his hands, according to the official press release, “Grayson accelerated his vehicle towards the deputy,” causing him to fire several rounds.

The incident has caused tension in the community with residents requesting a thorough investigation of the incident. Bystanders who witnessed the shooting allegedly threw rocks, wounding the involved deputy.

A group of pastors who were on the scene made sure Grayson received the medical attention he needed while also working to decrease the rising tension from community members.

Rev. Rondell Leggett of First Missionary Baptist in Marin [City] said he was at the scene only to “try and keep the peace”.

“There were people there that were traumatized by the whole incident,” Leggett said. “There was a lot of attention and concern from residents, and I wanted to ensure it wouldn’t escalate.”

Leggett says Marin [City] is still a “safe place filled with compassionate people,” but issues surrounding healthcare, poverty, and the city’s deteriorating educational system fuel the community’s frustration. This officer involved shooting only heightens the anger.

“All of those things contribute to the tension,” Leggett said. “It’s going to take further discussion on both sides to sit down and talk about it.”

Lieutenant Bruce Baker of the Marin County Sheriff Department said comment could not be made on the incident but noted that the Novato Police Department is now handling the investigation.

Lt. Baker also said that in recent years the department has done numerous activities to build a stronger relationship in the community. Though not yet scheduled, there will be community meetings to discuss the matter, said Baker.

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COMMENTARY: The National Protest Must Be Accompanied with Our Votes

Just as Trump is gathering election data like having the FBI take all the election data in Georgia from the 2020 election, so must we organize in preparation for the coming primary season to have the right people on ballots in each Republican district, so that we can regain control of the House of Representatives and by doing so, restore the separation of powers and balance that our democracy is being deprived of.

Published

3 weeks ago

February 10, 2026

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Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper. File photo..

By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper

As thousands of Americans march every week in cities across this great nation, it must be remembered that the protest without the vote is of no concern to Donald Trump and his administration.

In every city, there is a personal connection to the U.S. Congress. In too many cases, the member of Congress representing the people of that city and the congressional district in which it sits, is a Republican. It is the Republicans who are giving silent support to the destructive actions of those persons like the U.S. Attorney General, the Director of Homeland Security, and the National Intelligence Director, who are carrying out the revenge campaign of the President rather than upholding the oath of office each of them took “to Defend The Constitution of the United States.”

In California, the primary comes in June 2026. The congressional races must be a priority just as much as the local election of people has been so important in keeping ICE from acquiring facilities to build more prisons around the country.

“We the People” are winning this battle, even though it might not look like it. Each of us must get involved now, right where we are.

In this Black History month, it is important to remember that all we have accomplished in this nation has been “in spite of” and not “because of.” Frederick Douglas said, “Power concedes nothing without a struggle.”

Today, the struggle is to maintain our very institutions and history. Our strength in this struggle rests in our “collectiveness.” Our newspapers and journalists are at the greatest risk. We must not personally add to the attack by ignoring those who have been our very foundation, our Black press.

Are you spending your dollars this Black History Month with those who salute and honor contributions by supporting those who tell our stories? Remember that silence is the same as consent and support for the opposition. Where do you stand and where will your dollars go?