A former cop providing security to a San Francisco TV news crew as they reported on crime in Oakland is murdered after an attempted robbery of the crew’s equipment.
Kevin Nishita was hired to protect a KRON4-TV crew as they reported on grab-and-run robberies.
He was reportedly attacked by a group of robbers who tried to take the crew’s camera.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports:
"On Wednesday, Nishita was assigned to a KRON reporter covering the Monday night burglary of the Prime 356 clothing store on the 300 block of 14th Street. As Nishita stood outside the store with the reporter at about 12:20 p.m., a group tried to rob the pair and the security guard was shot in the abdomen, Oakland police spokesperson Kim Armstead said. He was taken to Highland Hospital in critical condition.
Former KRON reporter Stanley Roberts said the reporter, who has not been identified, was covering the theft for KRON when three men pulled up in a car, one with a gun in hand, and tried to take the reporter’s camera. The security guard was shot when he intervened, Roberts said.
Roberts added that television news crews have bodyguards because they’re often targeted for their equipment while working in communities with high crime rates.
“This has been a systemic problem, and it’s making it harder for journalists to do their jobs,” he said.”
He later died from his injuries.
Nishita is a father of two and grandfather of three. He was a police officer for the cities of Hayward, San Jose, Colma before retiring in 2018.
The San Jose Police Department said in a statement:
“Kevin was employed by the City of San José as a Police Officer from 2001-2012. During his time with us he worked as a Gang Investigations detective as well as working our Gaming/Vice Unit. In addition to his Police assignments, Kevin also spent some time representing his peers as a director with the San José Police Officers Association. In 2012 he joined the Colma Police Department.
“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.
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."
Over the weekend, Oakland police released a surveillance photo of a vehicle they believe driven by those involved in the attempted robbery and killing of Nishita.