OAKLAND, Calif. – A tragic incident at a 7-Eleven in Oakland left a security guard dead after he attempted to stop a suspected thief from stealing merchandise. James Johnson, 59, was shot and killed during the store robbery, leaving his daughter, known as Snow, devastated over the senseless loss of her father. The incident took place just after 10 pm on Saturday, and Johnson’s daughter tearfully described him as a caring and selfless individual who worked at the store for approximately two years.

According to police, the suspect shot Johnson as he tried to intervene in the theft while on duty as the security guard at the Adams Point neighborhood store. Snow, visibly distraught, also revealed that her father had recently lost her mother, Julie Johnson, just ten months prior. As the community grieves the loss of Johnson, customers who frequented the 7-Eleven shared fond memories of him, describing him as a caring and helpful presence in the area.

The tragic incident comes amid an increase in violent crime in Oakland, with the city seeing a rise in robberies and homicides. A recent robbery outside a different 7-Eleven location involved a mob of gunmen attacking an armed guard before making off with a significant amount of cigarettes. The uptick in crime has raised concerns among residents and local businesses, prompting calls for tangible changes to address the city’s safety challenges.

The city has experienced a 36 percent increase in robberies compared to the previous year, with firearms being involved in a significant number of cases. The alarming crime statistics have prompted an outcry from residents and business owners, with concerns growing over the safety of the community. As the investigation into Johnson’s death continues, the city of Oakland is grappling with the urgent need to address the escalating violence within its neighborhoods.