Holly MatkinOakland, CA – A news crew security guard was shot in an attempted armed robbery Wednesday while the rest of the crew was covering a story about another robbery.
The incident occurred in the 300-block of 14th Street outside Prime 356 clothing store shortly before 12:30 p.m., KRON reported.
A KRON news crew responded to the location after receiving word that at least 12 masked, hooded suspects carried out a smash-and-grab robbery at the store late Tuesday night.
A security guard responded with the crew, which is common practice, KRON reported.
The private guard, a former law enforcement officer, works for the Star Protection Agency California, WPIX reported.
While the crew was covering the store robbery, a gunman attempted to steal camera equipment the security guard was watching over, according to police.
The suspect ultimately opened fire on the security guard, hitting him in the lower abdomen, KRON reported.
“Somebody rolled up, robbery gone bad, said ‘get down’ he just started shooting at everybody,” a witness told KNTV. “He got shot for no reason, the dude didn’t even take the camera. Senseless attempt on multiple people’s lives.”
The shooter fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival.
A $17,500 reward is being offered for information leading to the gunman’s arrest, KRON reported.
The wounded security guard was rushed to Highland Hospital, where he was taken into emergency surgery.
He was later listed in stable condition, KRON reported.
“What are the odds that the mob will actually hit our shop, a small local business that takes care of everyone?” owner tells me. Video shows group of scofflaws breaking into & looting Prime 356 clothing store near 14th & Webster downtown. @oaklandpoliceca investigating pic.twitter.com/QO4zCJjfCc
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) November 23, 2021
The reporter the security guard was working with was not injured in the attack.
Police have located two more victims connected with the incident, one of whom was transported to Highland Hospital in stable condition.
The nature and extent of their injuries have not been released, nor has any information pertaining to how they were injured, KRON reported.
KRON Vice President and General Manager Jim Rose released a statement about the attack on Wednesday.
“At KRON 4, the safety of our personnel is our top priority which is why we assign security to reporters when working in the field,” Rose said. “Most importantly, our thoughts and prayers are with the security guard and his family and we wish him a complete recovery.”
Oakland police said in a press conference that it has been “an extremely violent week” in the city, KRON reported.
“We are asking if you were in the area, have a business or live nearby to please check your surveillance footage as you may have captured the crime before, during, or after it occurred,” the police department added.
