Oakland police spokesperson Johnna Watson says that one person, possibly a suspect, has been detained. The possible suspect was taken into custody by Alameda police at South Shore Center in eastern Alameda. South Shore Center is approximately 3 miles from the school.
The shooting occurred at 10:33 a.m. on the 7900 block of Edgewater Drive when a man described as an Asian male with a heavy build wearing tan or khaki clothing entered the school and opened fire.
At least five people were shot. Oakland City Council President Larry Reid says he was told by the Oakland Police Department that 6 people had been killed. A Highland Hospital spokesperson says that five people were brought there for treatment. She would not comment on their condition.
According to the Oakland Tribune, Pastor Jong Kim, who founded the school about 10 years ago, says the shooter had previously been a nursing student at Oikos but was no longer enrolled. He said he was unsure whether the shooter had been expelled or dropped out voluntarily.
Kim said he did not see the shooting but heard about 30 gunshots.
The area surrounding the scene was cordoned off for public safety.
A representative from the Alameda County Food Bank says 40 people in their building were sheltered in place but all are OK.
A press conference with Mayor Jean Quan is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Oakland police headquarters.
According to the school's website, Oikos University is a Christian school that offers courses of study in Asian medicine, theology, music and nursing.
Stay with ABC7NEWS.COM for updates on this developing story.
Lyanne Melendez, Katie Marzullo, Vic Lee and Jonathan Bloom contributed to this story.
