A security guard working for a San Francisco Bay Area TV station has died after he was shot earlier this week while protecting a news crew on assignment in Oakland.
Kevin Nishita passed away Saturday morning from injuries he sustained in the shooting, television station KRON4 reported.
Nishita worked for Star Protection Agency, which was contracted by KRON4 to work alongside news crews amid rising crime in the Bay Area. He leaves behind a wife, two children and three grandchildren.
Related Story: TV News Reporter Says Man Pulled Gun and Tried to ‘Harm’ Her on Story
We mourn the loss of retired police officer Kevin Nishita who honorably served our Bay Area Community. He was protecting/guarding a local news crew when he was senselessly murdered. Today, we escorted his body from the hospital with full law enforcement honors. ? pic.twitter.com/ZbKRn7J732
— Alameda County Sheriff (@ACSOSheriffs) November 27, 2021
Nishita [shown above] was shot on Wednesday, Nov. 24, while accompanying the news crew as they covered a smash-and-grab robbery at Prime 356 clothing store on 14th Street. According to local media reports, the shooting occurred when thieves tried to steal the news crews’ camera equipment.
“We are devastated by the loss of security guard and our friend, Kevin Nishita. Our deepest sympathy goes to Kevin’s wife, his children, his family, and to all his friends and colleagues,” KRON4 Vice President and General Manager Jim Rose said in a statement. “This senseless loss of life is due to yet another violent criminal act in the Bay Area. We hope that offering a reward will help lead to the arrest of those responsible so they can face justice for this terrible tragedy.”
Shortly after the shooting, the station reported Nishita suffered a gunshot wound to the lower abdomen and was rushed to an area hospital. The shooting occurred at 12:20 p.m., in broad daylight.
Witnesses told rival TV station KPIX5, “An armed robbery crew pulled up on the television crew and ordered the news crew and their guard to get on the ground.” Shots were fired, the guard was hit, and a bystander was struck by bullet shrapnel. Nishita was reported to be in stable condition earlier in the week, before taking a turn for the worse.
Prior to working as a security guard, he served as a police officer at the Oakland Housing Authority, Hayward Police, San Jose Police, and the Colma Police departments, according to KRON4. After retiring from police work, he began protecting TV news crews.
As news of his death spread, tributes poured in across social media.
“Not the news any of us wanted to share this morning. My heart breaks for our security guard’s family, and our entire KRON4 news family. This is so senseless. Reward now $32,500,” tweeted KRON4 weekend anchor Noelle Bellow.
“My heart is broken. I’m scared for me. I’m scared for my colleagues. Friends from all stations are talking to each other-our own support group. And then woke up to heartbreak. He was my friend. He was our friend and now he is gone,” tweeted KRON4 reporter and anchor Will Tran.
“I’m at a loss of words … praying for his family and loved ones and to my colleagues. May he Rest In Peace,” tweeted KRON4 digital reporter and producer Omar Pérez.
The Oakland Police Department offered new information in the case Saturday, saying the suspects fled in a 2004 – 2008 Acura TL, white, 4-door, with a sunroof and no front license plate.
KRON4, parent company Nexstar Media Inc., Star Protection Agency, and Oakland police have partnered to offer a reward. The total reward is now $32,500 for anyone with information leading to an arrest.
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