The Oakland Police Department has confirmed that a suspect was arrested in the shooting of Laney College athletic director and former football coach John Beam.

OPD chief Floyd Mitchell also announced at a press conference today that Beam, who had been in critical condition at Highland Hospital, died this morning.

Gloria Beltran, commander of OPD’s homicide unit, said at the press conference that the suspected shooter was arrested at 3:15 a.m. on Friday at the San Leandro BART station and had been identified as 27-year-old Cedric Irving of Oakland.

OPD assistant police chief James Beere called it a “targeted” incident. He said Irving knew Beam, but they did not have a relationship. He confirmed that Irving played football at Skyline High School — but after Beam’s time there as coach.

Irving was booked into Santa Rita jail on Friday afternoon. His arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 9 a.m. at Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse on Washington St.

Coach Beam was shot on Thursday just before noon in the college’s field house, according to police and community college officials.

Last night, Peralta’s chancellor, Tammeil Gilkerson, sent an email to all employees addressing the shooting and concerns about Beam’s condition. 

“I understand that this news is shocking and upsetting to many,” Gilkerson wrote. “Moreover, numerous news reports and rumors are circulating. I hope you’ll join me in sending positive thoughts to John and his family, and in supporting colleagues and students who may be impacted.”

“I’m grateful to Community Safety and the Oakland Police Department, who responded quickly and are actively working collaboratively on the investigation.”

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee released a statement thanking law enforcement.

“I’m grateful to the Oakland Police Department and our dedicated law enforcement partners for their swift work in making an arrest in the shooting of Coach Beam,” Lee said. “This arrest is a testament to the effective collaboration and dedication of our law enforcement community.”

“We looked at every camera we could look at,” Beere said at today’s press conference, with officers examining hundreds of hours of surveillance footage. He said OPD recovered a weapon from Irving that matched the caliber of the bullet casings found at the scene.

Additional reporting by Esther Kaplan. This is a developing story; check back for updates.

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