SAN JOSE — A public memorial service has been scheduled for Kevin Nishita, a security guard and former Bay Area police officer who was killed during an attempted robbery of a television news crew, according to authorities.
The service will take place at noon December 9 at the San Jose Civic Auditorium, San Jose police confirmed on Friday. Attendees must show proof of vaccination and only those fully vaccinated will be permitted to attend, authorities said.
Nishita, an employee of Star Protection Agency, was working with a news team from television station KRON on Nov. 24 when he was shot in the robbery, which took place in the 300 block of 14th Street in Oakland. He suffered a lower abdomen injury and died three days later at Highland Hospital, according to authorities.
Nishita began his law enforcement career in 1993 as a member of the Oakland Housing Authority Police Department, later serving as an officer in San Jose, Colma and Hayward. Officers from those departments escorted his body when it was taken to a funeral home earlier this week.
“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,” Chief Carel Duplessis of the Oakland Housing Authority Police Department said in a statement. “He will be missed by me and all who had the pleasure to know him.”
San Jose police Chief Anthony Mata said: “His contagious smile, passion to serve others, and an unmatched work ethic embodied the best of all of us.” Nishita worked in the city’s police department from 2001 to 2012. “As a patrol officer, gang detective, and as a person, Kevin modeled bravery, kindness, and dedication helping make San Jose a better place for everyone.”
An online fundraiser has been set up for Nishita’s family. It had raised more than $45,000 as of Friday morning.
Oakland police said the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have released surveillance photo of a vehicle authorities said the suspect was driving — a white 2004-2008 Acura TL with no front license plate — and asked the public to contact police if they have any information about the killing.
Crime Stoppers of Oakland and the Oakland Police Department are offering up to $32,500 in reward money for information leading to the arrest of the people involved in the shooting. Anyone with information may call police at 510-238-3821 or 510-238-7950 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572.
Nishita’s death was the 126th the Oakland police are investigating as a homicide this year.