A security guard is in stable condition after he was shot while protecting a TV news crew in Oakland.
The KRON4 news crew was covering a smash-and-grab robbery at Prime 356 clothing store on 14th Street when armed thieves attempted to rob the camera crew on Nov. 24. The security guard was shot in the lower abdomen, KRON4 reported.
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The Oakland Police Department said the thieves attempted to take the news crew’s camera equipment. So far, police have not provided a description of the suspects.
“An armed robbery crew pulled up on the television crew and ordered the news crew and their guard to get on the ground,” witnesses told TV station KPIX5. Shots were then fired and the guard was hit.
The shooting occurred in broad daylight at 12:30 p.m. The guard, a former police officer, was taken to the hospital for surgery and is recovering.
“At KRON4, 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.
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A bystander was also hit by bullet shrapnel. The victim was released from the hospital on Thursday, police said.
KRON4 announced Thursday it would be offering a reward, alongside parent company Nexstar Media Inc., Star Protection Agency (the company that employs the security guard), and Oakland police to find the culprit of the shooting. The total reward is now $25,000 for any individuals who provide information that lead to an arrest.
A security guard hired by KRON4 was shot Wednesday afternoon while on assignment with a KRON4 reporter.https://t.co/b0DzVDeDOk
— KRON4 News (@kron4news) November 24, 2021
