Security guard shot in robbery at Oakland business

OAKLAND — A 41-year-old security guard was shot multiple times early Wednesday during a robbery at a business where he was working, authorities said.

The guard was in stable condition at a hospital recovering from more than two wounds, authorities said.

Authorities said the robbery happened about 12:52 a.m. Wednesday at the It Iz What It Iz Smoke Shop, 2420 San Pablo Ave., in the Hoover-Foster neighborhood.

Police said two men entered the store; after lingering for a few moments, one of them went behind the counter, pulled a gun on the cashier and demanded money, while the other stood lookout.

It was not clear if the guard could see the suspect’s gun. He did not immediately draw his own firearm as he approached the suspect, authorities said.

The armed suspect grabbed some cash from the cashier. As he began fleeing, he opened fire on the security guard, police said.

The guard was able to draw his own gun and fire at least one shot at the robber as he and his accomplice fled, authorities said. There was no indication either suspect was wounded.

The suspects fled in a waiting vehicle, police said. Detailed descriptions of the suspects were not released.

Police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering up to $7,500 in reward money for information leading to the arrest of the robbers.  Anyone with information may call police at 510-238-3326 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572.