THE FAMILY OF an Oakland school employee killed by a suspect fleeing from the California Highway Patrol last week said Monday he saved his girlfriend’s life that day.
Marvin Boomer Jr., a teacher and academic coach at Castlemont High School, was allegedly killed Wednesday by Eric Scott Hernandez-Garcia, an 18-year-old driving a suspected stolen car who lost control while being chased by the CHP in East Oakland.
Just before he was killed, Boomer was walking with his girlfriend at about 7:45 p.m. near the intersection of East 21st Street and 12th Avenue and apparently saw the car careening towards them.
He had just enough time to push her a little bit out of the way before it hit them both, according to a statement released Monday by the family via the Oakland Unified School District.
“In a final act of love and selflessness, Marvin pushed her out of the path of the oncoming car, saving her life,” according to the family. “Although she was still struck and has sustained severe physical injuries and deep psychological trauma, it is clear that Marvin’s actions spared her from also being killed.”
Boomer’s girlfriend isn’t being publicly identified by the family out of respect for her privacy, according to the statement.
The family also said that it has not been in contact with groups like the Anti Police-Terror Project that are organizing vigils or memorial events and is asking people to refrain “from invoking Marvin’s name, likeness, or story without permission.”
“My brother Marvin was loving, kind, and full of life. He didn’t deserve to die on an evening stroll,” said Tynesha Boomer. “We are heartbroken and are asking the public to please let us mourn in peace, without speculation, disruption, or unauthorized representation. We appreciate the community’s love and concern, but right now, we need space to grieve.”
Hernandez-Garcia was arrested after allegedly running from the crash scene and was charged with several felonies, including vehicular manslaughter, evading police and hit-and-run.
The Boomer family has set up a GoFundMe account in Marvin Boomer Jr.’s name. The account had raised more than $20,000 as of Monday afternoon.
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