Procession Held for Fallen Parole Officer
A procession took place to honor Joshua Byrd, the parole officer who was tragically shot in Oakland. Family, friends, and colleagues from Alameda County and Oakland gathered as his body was transferred from Highland Hospital, draped in an American flag.
Byrd was killed on Thursday around 12:50 p.m. inside the Division of Adult Parole Operations located at 7717 Edgewater Drive.
Initially, police were searching for a 31-year-old suspect, but it has since been confirmed that a 48-year-old man, Bryan Keith Hall from Oakland, is in custody concerning the shooting.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Hall had just been released from jail a week and a half prior. He was detained on-site shortly after the incident.
A report from KTVU noted that Hall allegedly “carjacked an AC Transit bus” and was headed toward 66th Avenue and Bancroft Avenue in Oakland before being caught by authorities.
Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered flags at the State Capitol to be flown at half-staff in memory of Byrd, who leaves behind a wife and three children.
“This is a heartbreaking loss. Agent Byrd served with integrity and courage — and we’re forever grateful,” Newsom stated. “We are keeping his family in our prayers and we join the men and women of CDCR in mourning this tragedy.”
Jeff Macomber, the Secretary of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, also expressed condolences regarding Byrd’s passing.
“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,” Macomber said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the law enforcement community, as well as to Agent Byrd’s family and friends.”
