Oakland 7-Eleven mourns the loss of 59-year-old security guard James Johnson, who tragically lost his life during a robbery, leaving the community devastated, and his daughter recalling his selfless dedication to safeguarding the store and its patrons.
The tragic incident unfolded just after 10 p.m., as Johnson confronted a suspect attempting to steal merchandise from the convenience store located in the 2300 block of Harrison Street. The suspect, reportedly armed, shot Johnson during the confrontation and fled the scene, as per Mail Online.
Oakland Shooting Spurs Urgent Safety Calls
Oakland Police Department (OPD) responded to the call just before 10:15 p.m. on Friday, launching an investigation into the fatal shooting. Despite their efforts, Johnson succumbed to his injuries at the scene, leaving co-workers and community members devastated.
The suspect remains at large, prompting calls from community leaders for increased accountability and heightened security measures. Co-workers expressed fear about returning to work, highlighting the impact of Johnson's death on the sense of safety at the store.
Johnson, who lived at a nearby homeless shelter, worked as an unarmed security guard and had persistently sought employment at the 7-Eleven. Customers and colleagues remembered him as a kind and generous man who cared for the community.
Lynette McElhaney, who served on the Oakland City Council, connected the escalation in violence to the lack of a police chief this year. She emphasized the need for urgent, empathetic, and compassionate leadership to address the root causes of violent crime.
The tragic shooting occurred across the street from Whole Foods and near several neighborhood churches, underscoring the proximity to populated areas. The incident marks the second shooting at a 7-Eleven in Oakland within a week, raising concerns about the safety of convenience store employees, according to ABC 7 News.
Read Also: Israel PM Netanyahu Calls on Hamas To Surrender Now, Warns 'Beginning of the End' for Terror Group
Daughter Mourns Protector Amid Rising Crime Trends
The young woman, identified as Snow, who collapsed on the sidewalk in front of the store, revealed that James Johnson was her father. She emotionally described him as a protector who would go to great lengths for those he cared about.
In the wake of Oakland's trouble with a surge in violent crimes, the recent 7-Eleven incident emerges as a troubling piece of a larger pattern. 7-Eleven stores have become the target of criminals. One incident involved a shooting that occurred outside a store, while another incident involved a robbery where gunmen were involved. These incidents have taken place within a span of just two weeks.
Snow, who has tragically lost both of her parents in the past year, has passionately called for justice for her father. Despite the availability of surveillance footage capturing the incident, authorities have yet to make any arrests, leaving the public in the dark about the identity of the suspect as the police have refrained from disclosing any information.
The sudden passing of James Johnson serves as another grim statistic in Oakland's already alarming tally of over 110 homicides this year. This unfortunate incident further highlights the pressing necessity for community-driven initiatives, efficient law enforcement, and all-encompassing strategies aimed at tackling the underlying factors contributing to this wave of violence, CBS News reported.
