Laney College Athletic Director John Beam injured during shooting on Oakland campus, sources say
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — Legendary coach and current Laney College Athletic Director John Beam was shot Thursday on campus in Oakland, according to sources.
The shooting happened at the fieldhouse on campus at East 8th Street and Fifth Avenue, just south of Lake Merritt.
The Oakland Police Department did not confirm the identity of the shooting victim, but the fire department confirmed that a man was being treated for a gunshot wound and taken to the hospital. College officials confirmed that it was a senior athletic staff member who was shot on campus
Sources told ABC7 News Reporter Anser Hassan that Beam was shot in the head. His condition is unknown.
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In a press conference, acting Oakland Police Chief James Beere said shots fired were first reported just before noon.
Police had initially responded to the incident as if there was an active shooter, but have since determined that was not the case.
The college was placed on lockdown earlier in the day, but the lockdown was lifted at 1:15 p.m. Campus was closed for the rest of the day Thursday but school officials say it will be open Friday.
Police are still searching for a shooting suspect who is said to have fled the scene. They are described as a male of unknown race, wearing dark clothing and a black hoodie.
Laney is a public community college and is part of the four-campus Peralta Community College District.
The district released the following statement in response to the shooting:
“At approximately noon, a senior member of our athletic staff was shot on campus in the Laney Field House. The individual was immediately transported to a local hospital, and we are keeping them-and their loved ones-in our hearts during this incredibly difficult time. Out of respect for their privacy, we are not releasing their name at this moment.”
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The college’s football program was previously featured on the Netflix series ‘Last Chance U’ in 2020. Beam was the head coach at the time.
This is still an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Oakland police at 510-238-3821.
Stay with ABC7 News for the latest details on this developing story.
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