UPDATE: Authorities have arrested Cedric Irving Jr., a 27-year-old Oakland man, in connection with the shooting of renowned football coach John Beam on the Laney College campus. The arrest occurred at the San Leandro BART station around 3 a.m. on October 20, 2023, following a swift manhunt for the suspect.
The shooting incident, which has left Coach Beam in critical condition, took place just before noon on October 19 inside Laney’s Field House, a facility near Fifth Avenue and East Eighth Street. Beam, who rose to national prominence with the Netflix series “Last Chance U”, was severely injured and is currently hospitalized.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee expressed her gratitude for the quick response from law enforcement, stating, “I’m grateful to the Oakland Police Department and our dedicated law enforcement partners for their swift work in making an arrest in the shooting of Coach Beam.” She emphasized that this arrest highlights the effective collaboration within the law enforcement community.
This shocking event comes just hours after another school shooting occurred at Skyline High School, where a 15-year-old boy was shot following a confrontation in a bathroom. Two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, were detained in connection with that incident, and investigators recovered two semi-automatic firearms from the scene. Authorities have indicated that the motives for both shootings remain unclear but affirmed that they are unrelated.
Coach Beam has dedicated over two decades to coaching in Oakland, including a legendary stint at Skyline High School, before transitioning to Laney College in 2004. He led the Laney Eagles to victory, notably winning the 2018 California Community College Athletic Association title, demonstrating his impact on the community and the sport.
As the investigation continues, the community is left reeling from these violent incidents. The Oakland Police have urged anyone with information to come forward as they work diligently to ensure the safety of local schools and neighborhoods.
Stay tuned for further updates on Coach Beam’s condition and ongoing developments in both shooting cases.
