A retired police officer has died after he was shot during an attempted robbery while providing security for a Bay Area television news crew covering the latest in a rash of smash-and-grab thefts.
Kevin Nishita, was shot in the abdomen during an attempted robbery of KRON-TV’s camera equipment near downtown Oakland on Wednesday, police said.
He was employed as an armed guard for Star Protection Agency and provided security for local reporters.
On Wednesday, he was reported to be hospitalized in stable condition, but succumbed to his injuries days later. His body was escorted from the hospital “with full law enforcement honors,” the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office tweeted.
“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,” KRON-TV’s vice president and general manager, Jim Rose, said in a statement issued Saturday.
No arrests have been made, however cops are offering a reward of $32,500 for information that leads to the arrest of Nishita’s killer. Oakland Police released a photo of the suspect’s vehicle: a white, four-door 2004-2008 Acura TL with a sunroof and no front license plate.
“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,” Rose said.
Nishita served in the San Jose Police Department from 2001 to 2012, where he worked as a gang investigations detective and the department’s gaming/vice unit.
He then joined the Colma Police Department, where he served until his retirement in 2018. He received several awards in his six years at the department, where he served as a detective and field training officer, earning a promotion to sergeant in 2015, the department said. He also spent time with the Hayward 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,” San José Chief of Police Anthony Mata said in a statement on Saturday.
“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.
“We must work together and stay committed to stop senseless violence and the loss of precious life and hold those committing these acts accountable,” the chief said, adding that flags will be flown at half-mast until his funeral.
Violence has surged in Oakland, with Nishita’s death marking the city’s 126th death due to violence, police said. It is now under investigation by the Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Section.
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