Security guard slain at Oakland convenience store is remembered; suspect still sought

OAKLAND — A makeshift memorial of flowers and candles was growing Monday outside a convenience store near Lake Merritt, for a well-liked security guard who was fatally shot Friday night trying to stop a theft.

James Johnson, 59, was shot about 10:08 p.m. Friday just inside the entrance to a 7-Eleven store at 2350 Harrison St. He had worked there for more than a year and was remembered as a “good man who was very friendly.”

Johnson, who lived near the store, was attempting to stop a male who was trying to leave the store without paying for some snack-type items, police said. The two got into a confrontation and the thief pulled a gun and shot Johnson.

The suspect then fled with the items in a waiting car, authorities said.

Johnson died at the scene. Those who knew him said was a widower and the father of three adult children.

Detailed descriptions of the shooter and the vehicle he fled in have not been released.

Those who knew Johnson were still reeling Monday.

A store employee who did not want his name used due to fear for his safety said he knew Johnson the entire time he had worked at the store.

“He was a good man, very friendly, outgoing,” the employee said, adding that Johnson was always willing to help a customer or a coworker.