Manhunt for Suspect in Laney College Coach Shooting

Oakland, California police launched a manhunt Thursday for a suspect in the shooting of John Beam, the longtime athletic director and head football coach at Laney College, near the campus's field house around noon.

The incident occurred shortly before 12 p.m. PT, when gunfire wounded Beam, a prominent figure in Bay Area football. He was transported to a nearby hospital and remained in critical condition as of Thursday evening. No other injuries were reported. Laney College, part of the Peralta Community College District, immediately locked down its Oakland campus following the shots. Authorities lifted the lockdown around 1:15 p.m. after determining there was no ongoing threat, though the campus closed for the rest of the day and planned to reopen Friday.

Oakland Police Department Assistant Chief James Beere described the suspect during a Thursday press conference as a male of unknown race wearing all dark clothing and a black hoodie. He fled the scene on foot, Beere said, urging the public to provide any information that could aid the investigation. "We are currently asking the public's help in locating a potential suspect in the case," Beere stated.