Long before Officer Tuan Le became a peace officer, he exhibited a kind and generous spirit. Born in Vietnam, Le moved to Oakland when he was a child. At Tuan’s memorial service, his cousin, Jennifer Ky, emotionally told a story about Tuan that has stuck with her all these years. She reminisced about a time when Tuan’s aunt gave him an apple shortly before he left Vietnam to relocate to the United States. Instead of eating the apple himself, Tuan saved it and asked if they could cut it up so he could share it with his cousins before he parted ways with them. “This was the kind of person Tuan was at seven years old and 36 years old,” his cousin said. “From childhood to now, we will always remember Tuan for his willingness to share his time, making the effort and bringing us together.” 

Tuan demonstrated a desire to serve and protect at a young age too. His grandfather had been a police officer in Vietnam and Tuan vowed to become an officer just like him. In 2019, Tuan’s dream came true. He applied to the Oakland Police Department and entered the 183rd Oakland Police Recruit Academy. He graduated from the academy in 2020. Although Tuan’s grandfather had already passed away, Tuan knew he had made him proud.

In 2006, Tuan graduated from Oakland High School. That’s where he met Sarah, the young lady who would become his high school sweetheart, his wife, the love of his life. Tuan is remembered as a devoted husband as well as a caring, affectionate, and protective family member.

In the early morning hours of December 29, 2023, Officer Le and his partner were working undercover and responded to a marijuana growing facility in Oakland that had been burglarized multiple times that morning. Tuan was struck by gunfire while he was driving an unmarked truck and crashed into two parked cars. He was taken to a hospital but later died from his injuries. Officer Le had served four years with the Oakland Police Department. He was 36 years old when he was killed.

For the last couple years of Tuan’s life, he served as a Community Resource Officer (CRO) in West Oakland. He worked hard to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and Oakland’s residents. He was well-liked and trusted in the neighborhood. Tuan was also an important member of Oakland’s Asian-American community, acting as a bridge between the Vietnamese residents and Oakland P.D. His tireless efforts made a lasting impact. Many called Tuan a true representative of Oakland.

When Officer Le wasn’t working, he enjoyed being outside hiking or mountain biking, often wearing Crocs footwear, and he loved his two dogs.

Officer Tuan Le will be remembered for his kind heart, generous soul, warm smile, and the positive change he brought to the lives of those around him. He is a true hero who dedicated his life to making the city of Oakland a safer place and the world a better place.