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John Beam Shot at Laney College Fieldhouse as Police Search for Suspect

Police say the attack was not an active-shooter incident, with a public appeal for tips in the ongoing investigation.

Overview

  • Laney College confirmed the victim is athletic director and longtime coach John Beam, who was transported to a local hospital and reported in critical condition Thursday night.
  • The shooting occurred just before noon inside the Laney Fieldhouse, prompting an emergency lockdown and cancellation of in‑person classes for the day.
  • Oakland police said a male suspect wearing dark clothing and a hoodie fled the scene, and authorities asked the public to help locate him.
  • Acting Chief James Beere said officers initially responded as if to an active shooter but later determined the incident was isolated and not an active‑shooter situation.
  • The incident came a day after a separate shooting at Skyline High School that left a juvenile wounded and led to two juvenile detentions, intensifying concerns about campus safety in Oakland.