‘A heartbreaking loss’: Parole agent fatally shot in CDCR office in Oakland
A state parole agent was fatally shot Thursday midday while working in a Division of Adult Parole Operations office in Oakland.
Joshua Lemont Byrd, 40, was immediately transferred to a hospital where he died from his injuries.
On Thursday, police arrested a suspect in the shooting, 48-year-old Brian Keith Hall of Oakland, according to California Highway Patrol.
Byrd leaves behind a wife and three children, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation reported.
“Our hearts are heavy as we remember Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, whose bravery and dedication led to his tragic death in the line of duty,” CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber said in a statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to the law enforcement community, as well as to Agent Byrd’s family and friends.”
CDCR said Byrd’s death was the first line-of-duty loss for the department since 2018.
California Correctional Peace Officer Association President Neil Flood said Byrd started his service as correctional officer in 2014. He rose to the rank of Sergeant in 2020 and became a parole agent last year.
His career reflected his dedication to public safety, Flood said.
Expressing condolences to the family, Flood said Byrd “embodies the core values of our profession: commitment, integrity, and courage.”
“This tragic loss is a painful reminder of the very real dangers our members face each day, whether inside facilities or in communities throughout the state,” Flood said in a statement. “While we remain committed to rehabilitation, the reality is that we interact with individuals who may still pose significant safety risks.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space to be flown at half-staff in honor of Byrd.
“This is a heartbreaking loss,” Newsom said in a statement. “Agent Byrd served with integrity and courage — and we’re forever grateful. We are keeping his family in our prayers and we join the men and women of CDCR in mourning this tragedy.”
The Oakland Police Department detained Hall on Thursday near the intersection of 90th Avenue and International Boulevard, according to CHP. CHP said it does not believe there is an ongoing danger to the public.
Hall was booked into Santa Rita Jail in Alameda County late Thursday night. He is facing a first-degree murder charge.
