Security Guard Shot While Working With Bay Area News Crew Dies From His Injuries

A security guard working with a local Bay Area news crew, who was shot during a recent attempted robbery, died from his injuries on Saturday.

On Wednesday, Kevin Nishita was working for a KRON4 television news crew covering a smash-and-grab burglary of a clothing store in Downtown Oakland. According to Oakland Police, someone attempted to rob the news team, and Nishita was shot. 

“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,” said KRON4’s Vice President and General Manager Jim Rose in a statement to CNN. “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.”

On Saturday, Oakland Police posted a surveillance photo of the vehicle believed to be used during the attempted robbery and fatal shooting. It is described as a white, 4-door 2004 to 2008 Acura TL. The car has a sunroom and no front license plate. 

OPD Homicide investigators have released a surveillance photo of a vehicle they believe was used in the attempted robbery and fatal shooting of a news crew guard. There is a reward for $27,500, call Homicide Section at 510 238-3821https://t.co/cpy6eVI3pk pic.twitter.com/WaSmftWO8M

— Oakland Police Dept. (@oaklandpoliceca) November 27, 2021

A $27,500 reward was offered for information leading to an arrest and has since been increased to $32,500. The increase follows an increase in donations. 

Nishita was a former police officer, having worked for the San Jose Police Department from 2001 to 2012. Then in 2012, he joined the Colma Police Department, where he worked as a field training officer and a detective before he was promoted to sergeant. He retired from the force in 2018.

Nishita leaves behind his wife, two children, and three grandchildren.