Victim, Suspect Identified In Fatal Oakland Shooting: Report

OAKLAND, CA — A parole officer in Oakland was fatally shot Thursday, and a suspect is now in custody, NBC Bay Area reported.

According to police sources, the suspect, identified as 48-year-old Brian Keith Hall, was a parolee.

The shooting occurred at parole offices located on Edgewater Drive. The parole officer was transported to Highland Hospital, where he died, according to NBC Bay Area.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation identified the victim as Joshua Byrd, 40.

Sources had told NBC Bay Area that a suspected gunman hijacked a bus to escape the area where the shooting occurred.

On X on Friday, July 18, the Oakland Police Department posted the statement, "OPD extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Parole Agent Joshua Byrd, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on July 17, 2025. Agent Byrd's bravery, dedication, and sacrifice will be remembered. Rest in peace, Agent Byrd."

According to the CDCR, Agent Byrd joined CDCR in June 2014 as a cadet at its correctional officer academy . After serving as a correctional officer (promoted to correctional sergeant in 2020) at the California Medical Facility, he joined the Division of Adult Parole Operations' Oakland office as a parole agent in October 2024.

“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. We extend our deepest condolences to the law enforcement community, as well as to Agent Byrd’s family and friends,” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber. “Those who violate the law will ultimately face consequences. We are grateful to the law enforcement agencies, for their role in apprehending a suspect.”

On Friday, Governor Gavin Newsom and Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis announced Agent Byrd’s death and ordered that flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space to be flown at half-staff.

Byrd's death is the first line-of-duty loss for CDCR since 2018, according to officials. He leaves a wife and three children.