On December 8, 2023, 59-year-old James Johnson was fatally shot while on duty as a security guard at the 7-Eleven at 2350 Harrison Street in Oakland. The shooting happened shortly after 10 p.m. after Johnson confronted a person attempting to steal merchandise. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the suspect pulling a firearm, shooting Johnson, and fleeing in a red four-door sedan. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Johnson lived at the Lake Merritt Lodge, a transitional housing facility near the store, and had worked as an unarmed security guard at that 7-Eleven for about 18 months. He was described as a familiar, friendly presence who was trying to improve his circumstances. The Oakland Police Department opened an investigation, but as of December 26, 2024 no arrests had been made and the suspect remained unidentified. The community has mourned his death, held a protest outside the store, and raised concerns about worker safety and local violence.

Did anyone in the area know James or see the red sedan leaving the scene that night?