Legendary Oakland football coach, Netflix star shot after gunman opens fire at California college
The Oakland Police Department (OPD) is investigating after a legendary California football coach was wounded in a shooting at Laney College in Oakland.
The shooting happened just before noon Thursday on the 900 block of Fallon Street, near the Laney Fieldhouse, according to OPD.
When officers arrived, they found John Beam, 58, the longtime Laney College football coach and athletic director, had been shot at least once, according to OPD and the Oakland Fire Department.
Beam was taken to a local hospital and his condition is unknown, sources told affiliate FOX 2 San Francisco.
SHOOTING AT OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY RESIDENCE HALL LEAVES MULTIPLE VICTIMS
A male suspect dressed in dark clothing fled the scene, Oakland Police Assistant Chief James Beere said during a news conference. No arrests were confirmed.
A campus alert was also sent out, reporting an active shooter had been reported at the Laney Fieldhouse.
“Please avoid the area,” officials wrote in the alert. “Stay locked down until further notice.”
Beere noted police are interviewing people at the scene.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the victim’s identity, though Laney college told FOX 2 he was a senior staff member in the athletic department.
“A senior member of our athletic staff was shot on campus in the Laney Field House,” school officials wrote in a statement. “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.”
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.
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’ 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.
Breaking news. This story will be updated.
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