The Oakland Police Department is actively probing an incident in which a revered football coach from California sustained injuries in a shooting at Laney College, located in Oakland.
The event occurred shortly before noon on Thursday along the 900 block of Fallon Street, in proximity to the Laney College Fieldhouse, as per the information provided by the OPD.
Upon arrival, officers discovered John Beam, aged 58, who has been a staple at Laney College as both the head football coach and athletic director, suffering from at least one gunshot wound, according to reports from both the OPD and the Oakland Fire Department.
Beam was transported to Highland Hospital, where he remains in critical condition, the Peralta Community College District stated.
Reports confirm that at least one individual was injured when a shooter began firing on Thursday at Laney College in Oakland, California, as covered by KTVU.
“The Peralta community is shattered by this shooting and is profoundly worried about his recovery. It’s both shocking and heartbreaking that such violence has struck our campus, affecting one of the most admired and cherished figures within our Laney, Peralta, and Oakland communities,” expressed the district. “John Beam is celebrated not just as a coach but as an educator, mentor, and leader, whose influence reaches far beyond sports. Our hearts go out to him and his family during this difficult time.”
A male suspect dressed in dark clothing fled the scene, Oakland Police Assistant Chief James Beere said during a news conference. No arrests have been confirmed as of Thursday night.
Beere noted police are interviewing people at the scene.
Former Laney College football coach and athletic director John Beam was identified as the shooting victim, according to sources. (KTVU)
Beam started at Laney College as the running backs coach in 2004 and was later promoted to offensive coordinator, where he led the Eagles to three conference championship wins and five consecutive bowl game appearances.
As head football coach, Beam won two league titles, had a .600 winning percentage and made four bowl game appearances.
A gunman opened fire Thursday at Laney College in Oakland, California. (KTVU)
He produced more than 20 NFL players, including seven players that participated in the Super Bowl, and his program has a 90% graduation and transfer rate.
Beam was also featured in Netflix’s 2020 documentary, “Last Chance U,” which highlighted junior college football players with difficult pasts, according to the streaming service.
Laney College could not immediately be reached by Fox News Digital for comment.
