A security guard assigned to protect a television news crew in Oakland, CA died Saturday of his gunshot injuries, reports KRON4.
Two witnesses tell CBS SF that armed robbers demanded the KRON4 crew turn over their TV equipment and get down on the ground. Moments later, shots rang out and a bullet struck Kevin Nishita in the abdomen.
According to ABC7, Nishita had attempted to intervene when he was shot on Wednesday. The retired police officer who worked for Star Protection Agency California out of Oakland. He had previously served for police departments in Colma, San Jose, and Hayward.
“Kevin was kind. He was caring, compassionate, and most importantly very, very honorary,” Commander Sherwin Lum of the Colma Police Department where Nishita worked as a Sergeant, said to ABC7.
“We are heartbroken and mourning the passing of retired Colma Police Department Sergeant Kevin Nishita. Kevin was part of our San José Police family for eleven years wearing the San José Police patch with great pride,” said San José Police Chief Anthony Mata to CBS SF. “His contagious smile, passion to serve others, and an unmatched work ethic embodied the best of all of us. As a patrol officer, gang detective, and as a person, Kevin modeled bravery, kindness, and dedication helping make San José a better place for everyone.”
His colleagues at KRON4 expressed their shock and grief on social media. Veteran reporter Will Tran calling Nishia a friend.
Kelly Kim, an executive producer at KRON4, expressed anger and thanked Nishita for his service.
Whiles reporters have been injured in the past, this is the first incident that has resulted in a fatality.
The media has met with local police in the past about the increase of such incidents and another meeting is planned. While the robberies have not been limited to Oakland, the vast majority of the crimes targeting news reporters have occurred in that city.
Nishita leaves behind a wife, two children and three grandchildren.
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“It’s not the police who need to be retrained, it’s the public. This society has grown into a mouthy, mobile phone wielding, vulgar, uncivil society with no personal responsibility and the attitude of ‘it’s the other person’s fault, you owe me’ no boundaries.
These evil criminals who commit murder should be caught and severely punished.