A California state parole agent was shot and killed Thursday afternoon inside a state-run parole office in Oakland, sparking a massive law enforcement response and culminating in the arrest of a recently paroled individual with a violent criminal history.
The victim has been identified as Joshua Lemont Byrd, 40, a parole agent with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Byrd was fatally wounded during an incident inside the CDCR’s Adult Parole Operations office located at 7717 Edgewater Drive, near Pardee Lane.
According to officials, the shooting occurred shortly before 12:50 p.m. when Oakland police responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire inside the building—a facility used to supervise recently released offenders.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Byrd with a critical gunshot wound. Given the severity of his injuries, officers made the decision to transport him immediately to Highland Hospital in a patrol car. Despite life-saving efforts, Byrd was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Suspect Identified and Arrested
The suspect—identified as Bryan Keith Hall, 48—fled the scene, triggering an hours-long manhunt across East Oakland. Law enforcement from multiple agencies, including CHP, Oakland Police, and state authorities, coordinated the search. Hall was ultimately located near 90th Avenue and International Boulevard, approximately four miles from the scene. He was taken into custody without further incident and transported by ambulance for evaluation.
Authorities confirmed Hall was recently released on parole and has an extensive criminal record, including a prior felony conviction for assault with a deadly weapon in a stabbing case handled by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are now focusing on Hall’s motives and whether there was any prior interaction between him and Agent Byrd. As of now, no motive has been disclosed, and officials stress the investigation remains ongoing.
A Dedicated Public Servant
Agent Byrd began his career with CDCR in June 2014, starting as a cadet at the correctional officer academy. He later served as a correctional officer and correctional sergeant, and was promoted to parole agent in October 2024, working out of the Oakland Division of Adult Parole Operations.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
“This is a heartbreaking loss,” said Governor Gavin Newsom and Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis in a joint statement. “Agent Byrd served with integrity and courage—we are forever grateful. We join his family and the CDCR community in mourning this tragedy.”
In Byrd’s honor, flags at the State Capitol and other government buildings will be flown at half-staff.
Scene of the Crime: A Critical Reentry Office
The site of the shooting—a state parole reentry facility—is used to supervise and support parolees as they transition back into society. It is a key hub for drug testing, case management, orientation, and other services.
Authorities confirmed that Hall was familiar with the office and its procedures, as someone who had recently been through the parole system.
In the wake of the shooting, the area surrounding Edgewater Drive was placed on lockdown. A command post was established on-site, and the building was closed for several hours as investigators collected evidence, reviewed surveillance footage, and interviewed witnesses.
A solemn law enforcement procession was held Thursday evening, escorting Byrd’s body from Highland Hospital to the Alameda County Coroner’s Office. Family, colleagues, and officers lined the route in a moment of public mourning.
Community and Statewide Response
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee offered condolences to the victim’s family and colleagues:
“The City of Oakland is heartbroken at the loss of one of our fellow public servants. We stand with his family, and with everyone in the parole and corrections community who risk their lives each day.”
The California Highway Patrol has assumed lead investigative responsibility, as the incident occurred on state property.
CDCR issued a public message on social media, stating they were “deeply saddened by the tragic and senseless loss” of Agent Byrd and released a video tribute in his memory.
Byrd’s death marks CDCR’s first line-of-duty fatality since 2018.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement continues to investigate the timeline and circumstances leading up to the shooting. Officials are calling on anyone with information or who may have witnessed the events near Edgewater Drive to contact CHP or Oakland Police.
This story is developing and will be updated as more details become available.