Puppy Breeding Dispute Leads to Gunfire and a Fireman’s Arrest
OAKLAND — A firefighter faces multiple weapons-related charges for a shooting involving puppy breeding. The incident implicating an off-duty San Francisco fireman happened on July 31.
Bryon Pointer, 29 of Oakland, was arrested on the same day at 6:26 p.m. Pointer was booked into Santa Rita Jail August 1 at 2:45 a.m. He presently remains in custody ineligible for release on bond, pending a plea hearing on August 23.
The victim who was shot is 45-year-old Michael Johnson of Oakland. His neck was grazed by a bullet, and his car was riddled with bullet holes. About a half dozen shots were fired, and one bullet went through the head rest.
The two men who knew each other had arranged to meet at a parking lot in Emeryville. The suspect and victim conducted business together, breeding puppies for sale in Oakland.
The suspect allegedly owed the victim $5,500 for puppies, which the victim was attempting to collect. No payment was made, and the suspect allegedly robbed the victim at gunpoint.
Both men left Emeryville going their separate ways. Later the same day, the victim drove passed the suspect’s residence in Oakland. At this point, the suspect allegedly opened fire on the victim, firing about half a dozen rounds from a semi-automatic weapon.
Pointer was booked for first-degree attempted murder and shooting at an inhabited vehicle. He also faces other firearms-related charges, including use of a firearm during a felony, and intentional discharge of a firearm.
