San Francisco, CA – A federal appeals court has cleared the way for a Tongan family to pursue justice after an unauthorised police chase led to the death of 28-year-old Lolomanaia “Lolo” Soakai, a beloved member of Oakland’s Tongan community.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that Oakland Police officers Walid Abdelaziz and Jimmy Marin-Coronel can be held accountable for Soakai’s 2022 killing, marking a rare challenge to qualified immunity.
This legal shield often protects police from civil lawsuits.
On June 26, 2022, Soakai was celebrating a family graduation when he stopped at a taco truck on International Boulevard.
Moments later, a 19-year-old suspect fleeing a sideshow crashed into parked cars during an illegal “ghost chase”—a pursuit conducted without lights, sirens, or supervisor approval.
The impact sent a motorcycle flying into Soakai, killing him instantly. His mother suffered a broken back, and two cousins were hospitalised.
Body camera footage revealed one officer saying of the suspect, “I hope he dies,” which the court cited as evidence that the chase may have been motivated by vengeance, not public safety.
Previous comments on social media show the Soakai’s family, backed by Tongan community leaders and civil rights attorneys, called the ruling a critical step toward accountability.
“Lolo was a proud Tongan son, a hard worker, and the glue of our family,” said a relative.
“The police took him from us in seconds because they chose to break the rules. Now, they must answer for it.”
One report said: “The case lands amid debate over pursuit policy. Governor Newsom has urged Oakland to loosen restrictions, but critics argue Soakai’s death shows why stricter oversight is essential.”
