Private security guard shoots suspected burglar in Oakland

Police are investigating after a private security guard in Oakland's Oakmore neighborhood shot and wounded a suspected burglar.
February 13, 2014 6:28:32 PM PST
Police are investigating an incident in which a private security guard shot and wounded a suspect during a home break-in. It happened in the Oakland Hills neighborhood of Oakmore.

An Oakland police officer told us off-camera that there were two men involved, two suspects. One drove off while the other ran off and was then shot in the leg on Waterhouse Road. Neighbors are hoping that this shooting might make would-be criminals think twice.

Private security guards are the latest crime fighting tool for some Oakland neighborhoods reeling from rising crime.

The guard, who works for the company Security Code 3, was on routine patrol when he spotted a burglary in progress. According to police, he pursued the suspect for a few blocks and opened fire when he was threatened with an edged weapon, perhaps a screwdriver.

"I'm glad he did," neighbor Robin Perry said. "I'll tell you the truth, if it had been me, I would have shot the guy and killed him, cause I'm a veteran myself, I've had combat experience and I wouldn't have just shot him in the leg. He'd be dead."

Perry told us he pays about $500 a year to be part of a network of 60 homes protected by a guard.

Tracey Tinil McKendell is a liaison between her neighbors and their security company.

"We've been very pleased with our guard," she said. "We've never had an issue, up until now."


Police went door-to-door in the area around Fruitvale Ave. and Harding Way. They found an expensive telescope and two flat screen televisions in a driveway that were apparently left by the thief. Residents say things have gotten scary.

"I think I'm going to need to get a much bigger dog," neighbor Marcy Trinidad said. "And a lot of iron fences around or something. It's really too bad because this is a wonderful neighborhood with a really lot of good people. It's a really friendly neighborhood, so this is really scary.

She hasn't signed up for a private guard, but Thursday's incident may change her mind.

Anyone with information on the case asked to call Oakland police at (510) 238-3326.

Load Comments