Video: Multiple burglars tried to rob a retired Oakland police captain, but he had a gun and wasn't afraid to use it

A well-known retired Oakland police captain was the subject of an attempted robbery in the Bay Area this week, but the former law enforcement officer was able to fend off the criminals using his firearm.

What happened?

On Thursday, according to KTVU-TV, Ersie Joyner — a 28-year police veteran known for implementing a successful anti-violence program in the city — became the target of the violent crime he fought for decades to end.

Graphic surveillance video circulating online shows three burglars approaching Joyner at gunpoint at a Chevron gas station in west Oakland Thursday afternoon. The criminals appeared to surround the retired captain and appearing to demand he hand over the keys to his vehicle.

Then, as one of the burglars opened the back door of the vehicle, Joyner can be seen discreetly pulling out his gun and opening fire, striking and killing one of the suspects before running around the pump to take aim at the others.

The suspects returned fire, however, reportedly hitting Joyner multiple times. The video shows the two criminals still standing attempting to pull their accomplice into their car before giving up and fleeing the scene.

Content warning: graphic content

Gas station shootout during botched Oakland robbery leaves 1 dead, retired police captain injuredwww.youtube.com

KTVU reported that at least four criminals, in total, were involved in the attempted robbery, including a getaway driver.

What else?

Police were reportedly alerted to the shooting by the city's ShotSpotter system, which uses acoustic sensors to detect gunshots and alert law enforcement in real-time.

When police arrived, they found Joyner and the downed suspect suffering from gunshot wounds. The suspect, who has so far remained unidentified, was pronounced dead at the scene while Joyner was transported to a local hospital.

Joyner underwent surgery Thursday afternoon and is listed in critical but stable condition.

The former police captain retired after nearly three decades in law enforcement and has since started his own cannabis business.

Anything else?

Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong confirmed the news of the shooting in a news conference Thursday evening, adding that an investigation is underway. He said that Joyner was legally permitted to carry a firearm.

Armstrong decried the incident as yet another example of the violent crime overtaking the Bay Area this year. The city has been rocked by significant increases in shootings, carjackings, and homicides in 2021.

"This highlights the violence that we've seen in this city this entire year. We have seen so many tragic situations. We have seen so many people lose their lives as a result of violence," Armstrong said. "This again shows us how brazen individuals involved in this activity can be."