Santa Clara County Paramedic Dies after Shooting in Oakland

An off-duty paramedic who was shot while driving in the Oakland Hills on Tuesday was pronounced dead at 3:53 p.m. today, police said.

Quinn Boyer, 34, had worked for Santa Clara County Ambulance for the past two years and had worked as a paramedic for a total of five years, according to company spokeswoman Monica Gomez.

Sgt. Arturo Bautista said it appears that someone in another vehicle shot Boyer shortly before noon Tuesday and that Boyer then crashed his car down a ravine in the 5200 block of Keller Avenue.

Bautista said the motive for the shooting is not yet clear, although police are looking at the possibility that it may have stemmed from a robbery attempt.

He said police haven't identified a suspect or made any arrests.

"Our hearts are heavy with emotion and we certainly want to extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends as they cope," a statement released by the Santa Clara County Ambulance this afternoon said.  "Quinn was very well liked by all of his colleagues and was very dedicated in his role as a paramedic."

The company said it will have counselors on hand to help employees deal with the loss.

Gomez said employees at Santa Clara County Ambulance previously had to cope with the tragedy that befell another colleague, Bryan Stow, who was beaten two years ago at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles after the San Francisco Giants played the Dodgers on Opening Day. Stow suffered brain damage and his treatment is ongoing.

Oakland police said anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the homicide unit at (510) 238-3821.

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