Security guard fatally shot while protecting reporter doing story on burglarized Oakland store

A security guard who accompanied a TV reporter to an Oakland, CA store to report on recent burglaries was shot and killed at the scene.

Kevin Nishita, a former cop, was hired through Star Protection Agency to provide security for a KRON4 news crew as they reported in downtown Oakland. On Wednesday around 12:20 PM, while filming a story on a recent burglary, two assailants ran up and attempted to steal the station’s camera equipment. One carried a gun, and when Nishita tried to intervene, he was shot.

In trying to stop the assailant and protect the crew, Nishita was shot in the lower abdomen. He was taken to Highland Hospital, where he died on Saturday at 4:39 AM. Nishita was transferred to Alameda County Coroner’s Office. He was transported in a motorcade which included police from San Jose, Hayward and Colma, three departments where he had previously worked as an officer. He is survived by his wife, two children, and three grandchildren.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of former OHA Officer Kevin Nishita; he was a very kind person who sought to make communities not just safer but happier places for everyone,” said Carel Duplessis, the Oakland Housing Authority Police Department chief, in a statement. “He will be missed by me and all who had the pleasure to know him.”

KRON4’s vice president and general manager, Jim Rose, released a statement which said: “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.”

Authorities are offering a reward of $32,500 to anyone who can provide information that leads to an arrest.