Gunman who shot KRON4 guard in Oakland still at-large; $25K reward

OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) -- A gunman is still at-large after shooting a KRON4 news reporter's security guard in Oakland. A reward of $25,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.

The KRON4 crew was covering a story about a recent robbery where 12 thieves wearing masks and hoods raided a clothing store on the 300 block of 14th Street.

At 12:20 p.m. Wednesday, an assailant attempted to steal KRON4's camera equipment.

The armed guard -- a former police officer -- was shot in the lower abdomen. The reporter was not physically injured.

The guard was rushed to Highland Hospital in critical condition. His condition improved to stable following surgery.

A Berkeley man standing nearby was hit by bullet shrapnel, Oakland police said. He was treated at a hospital and listed in stable condition.

Contributions from KRON4, Nexstar Media Inc., Star Protection Agency, and the Oakland Police Department brought the total reward offered for information up to $25,000. The money will be given to the person who provides information that leads to an arrest of the individual, or individuals involved in the shooting.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators at (510) 238-3426.

“It's been an extremely violent week. 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,” Oakland police said.

Local television stations, including KRON4, regularly use security guards when covering news stories.

“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. Most importantly, our thoughts and prayers are with the security guard and his family and we wish him a complete recovery,” KRON4’s Vice President and General Manager Jim Rose said in a statement.

The guard works for Star Protection Agency and has provided security for many Bay Area reporters.

KPIX Reporter Andria Borba tweeted, "I’ve worked with the security guard ... more times than I can count. He is the nicest man ever. How nice? Well, Game 1 of the NLDS (Giants/Dodgers) - he wouldn’t let me take the train home - said it wasn’t safe - drove an hour out of his way to drop me off."

from KRON4 https://ift.tt/3xsFgWS