Five months and still no conclusion to San Leandro police chief investigation

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San Leandro businessman Bernard Ashcraft said the city’s treatment of San Leandro Police Abdul Pridgen is a “political lynching.”

CITY NEWS

SAN LEANDRO

—STILL WAITING—A San Leandro councilmember and a number of public speakers on Monday night voiced support for embattled Police Chief Abdul Pridgen and questioned why the city’s investigation into unspecified allegations is nearing its six month.

—San Leandro Councilmember Fred Simon reiterated his support for Pridgen, who was placed on administrative leave on Sept. 11.

—“I am also concerned as to why the investigative process into complaints against Chief Pridgen is now in its six month, which in my opinion,” Simon said, “casts a cloud upon and raises suspicion regarding the progress of reforms in our police department.”

San Leandro Police Chief Abdul Pridgen last summer.

—Simon’s comment hint at growing suspicion that the San Leandro police union is behind the attempt to oust Pridgen, who was touted as a police reformer when tapped as police chief in 2021.

—“We believe that there is nothing here but the desire to keep things the way they have always been,” former San Leandro Councilmember Surlene Grant said. “Cut the charade and do what is right.”

—Bernard Ashcraft, a well-known San Leandro businessman, said the city’s treatment of Pridgen is a “political lynching.”

—Speaking from the council lectern, Ashcraft concluded his remarks and turned toward the audience while raising his right fist in the air with the Black Power salute.

—Ashcraft claimed San Leandro Mayor Juan Gonzalez III and some councilmembers conspired with the San Leandro police union to take down Pridgen.

—Gonzalez chided Ashcraft for making the claim. Without evidence, Gonzalez said, Ashcraft’s comments are slanderous.

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