According to local police, a security guard of a TV news worker who reported a smashing and robbery in a store in Oakland, California last Wednesday was killed by a man who tried to steal the staff’s camera equipment.

KRON-TV reporters reported the earlier robbery on the spot, in which 12 thieves wearing masks and turbans raided a local clothing store in the 300 block of 14th Street.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, three men — one of them armed with a gun — then drove into a car and tried to steal their camera equipment.

According to KRON, when security guard Kevin Nishita tried to intervene, one of the robbers allegedly shot him in the lower abdomen.

Emergency personnel rushed Nishida to the hospital in critical condition. He died on Saturday from his injuries.

The bullet shrapnel also hit a man standing nearby. He was taken to the local hospital in stable condition.

According to the news channel, the unidentified KRON reporter was not injured.

Nishida left behind his wife, two children and three grandchildren. At the time of his death, he served as a guard at the Interstellar Protection Agency. He previously served as a police officer at the Oakland Housing Authority, Hayward Police Department, San Jose Police Department and Colmar Police Department.

According to Colmar police, Nishida retired in 2018.

The department wrote in a statement that during his tenure in Colmar, Nishida received the 2018 Chief Award, which was awarded to an employee who “has high moral character and demonstrated exemplary performance in all areas of police work”.

After the news of Nishida's death spread, people mourned him.

Colmar police sergeant Dawn Marchetti told KRON: "His smile will definitely light up the whole room. He will take the shirt off his back and give it to anyone who needs it. He is always for anyone at any time. , Anything, anytime."

"My heart is broken. I am afraid of me. I am afraid of my colleagues. Friends from various stations are talking to each other-our own support group. Then I wake up with a broken heart. He is my friend. He is Our friend, now he is gone," KRON reporter Will Tran wrote on Twitter.

My heart is broken. I am afraid of me. I am scared for my colleagues. Friends from various radio stations are talking to each other-our own support group. Then woke up heartbroken. he is my friend. He is our friend, now he is gone @kron4news

"The shock and fear on the day of the shooting came back. I don't even know where to start. I am angry that such a tragedy happened to someone who works to protect others every day. RIP Kevin. Thank you for your service," KRON reporter Kelly Kim tweeted.

The shock and fear on the day of the filming returned. I don't even know where to start. I am very angry that this kind of tragedy happened to a person who works to protect others every day. Rip Kevin. Thank you for your service. 🙏 https://t.co/kprBMh3IMY

"Words cannot express my heartbreak," KRON reporter Maureen Kelly said. "Kevin Nishita is a good person who takes work seriously. He has protected me and my colleagues. He doesn't deserve this. He and his family will always be in my prayers."

Words cannot express my heartbreak. Kevin Nishita is a good person who takes his work seriously. He protected the safety of me and my colleagues. This is something he shouldn't get. He and his family will always be in my prayers. https://t.co/2Eo9Qf4SVv

The police provided fines of up to $32,500 to obtain information that led to the arrest of the suspect. Anyone with a clue can call (510) 238-3426 to contact the investigator.

According to KRON, the authorities also asked the public to help find suspicious vehicles: a white 4-door Acura TL from 2004 to 2008 with sunroof and no front license plate.

You have 4 free articles this month

Enjoy Newsweek’s free newsletter with 5 million readers