Kevin Nishita, a security guard who was shot while protecting a KRON crew during an attempted armed robbery on Wednesday, has died from his injuries.
Police say Nishita was shot in the lower abdomen when a suspect attempted to steal the San Francisco Bay Area crew’s gear while it was covering a story about another robbery.
Nishita leaves behind a wife, two children and three grandchildren.
Before working as an armed guard for Star Protection Agency, Nishita served as a police officer for the Oakland Housing Authority, Hayward Police, San Jose Police, and the Colma Police departments. After his death, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office escorted his body from the hospital in Oakland with full law enforcement honors.
Oakland Police Department Homicide investigators are looking for the car they say might be connected to the killing. It’s a 2004 to 2008 white four-door Acura TL with a sunroof and no front license plate (pictured left).
KRON along with parent company Nexstar Media Inc., Star Protection Agency, and the Oakland Police Department have posted a reward of $32,500 for information that leads to an arrest.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators at (510) 238-3426.
KRON vice president and general manager Jim Rose said the station is “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,” said Rose. “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.”