On Wednesday afternoon, in the San Francisco Bay area, someone tried to rob a news station, KRON4. Seeing the crime unfold, Kevin Nishita, a retired police officer and security guard to the news station, stepped in to protect the crew. Unfortunately, once he intervened, he was shot by the robber. The security guard succumbed to his injuries in the following days and passed away on Saturday morning.
The Incident
While filming on location, the KRON TV news crew was reporting on a story about a masked mob that broke into a clothing store. At that point, an assailant came up to the crew, trying to steal camera equipment.
Once he stepped in, Nishita was shot in the abdomen. He was immediately rushed into the Highland Hospital, where he was in critical condition.
The Suspect
The suspect that left a security guard dead after attempted robbery was allegedly trying to steal camera equipment.
Now, the Oakland Police Department is investigating the incident and has a surveillance image of the suspect. The police also shared a photo of the suspect’s car, which is believed to be a 2004-2008 white Acura TL.
There is a reward of up to $32,500 for anyone who can help lead to the suspect’s arrest. The police suspect that this crime was part of a rash organized retail crime spree in the region.
The Aftermath
Now, with a security guard dead after attempted robbery, the community is rallying behind. The Crime Stoppers is putting up the reward for information on the suspect. What’s more, there’s a fund set up for Nishita’s family, and deposits are being made to “Kevin Nishita Trust.” All donations go to Metropolitan Bank, 381 8th St., Oakland CA 94601, or any Metropolitan Bank branch.
Kevin Nishita’s former colleagues at KRON4 are expressing their deepest condolences. The station’s general manager and vice president, Jim Rose, put out a statement saying “Our deepest sympathy goes to Kevin’s wife, his children, his family, and to all his friends and colleagues.”
Rose also followed up with “This senseless loss of life is due to yet another violent criminal activity 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.”
If you have any information on the case, you can contact the Oakland Police Department.
Update in the Case
On Wednesday, December 22, Okland Chief of Police LeRonne L. Armstrong announced that two suspects have been arrested in connection to the murder. A third suspect has also been identified, and the police are still looking for him.
According to the Chief of Police, the two suspects were already in custody on unrelated charges. Since the investigation is ongoing, police haven’t disclosed the suspects’ names yet.
