We sometimes forget just how dangerous photography and videography can be for one reason or the other.
And journalists along with their teams are often on the front lines of some of the most harrowing situations.
That’s why it’s absolutely heartbreaking to report on the death of a KRON4 security guard who was killed during a robbery of the crew he was protecting. As we have reported on here in the past, violent thefts of photography and videography equipment are some of the most prevalent out there and often turn violent.
Kevin Nishita leaves behind a wife, two children, and three grandchildren, KRON4 reports. KRON4 parent company Nexstar Media Inc. and Star Protection Agency each contributed to a $32,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of the killer in this situation.
During a press conference discussing the robbery, Oakland police remarked, “It’s been an extremely violent week. We are asking if you were in the area, have a business or live nearby to please check your surveillance footage as you may have captured the crime before, during, or after it occurred.”
An outpouring of grief online from Nishita’s friends and colleagues underpinned the tragedy and highlighted the dangers security guards and law enforcement face.
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office tweeted that the agency escorted Nishita’s body from the hospital with full law enforcement honors.
You can watch KRON4's coverage here and here.
While always a prime target for thieves, the stories about violent theft of camera equipment seem to be increasingly prevalent lately. We covered a story about how robbers followed a photographer in California for more than two hours before robbing him at his home. While no one was seriously injured in that incident, the speed with which it escalated mixed with the determination of the thieves has more than a few of us on edge.
Check out some of our other photography news on Light Stalking at this link right here.
[KRON4]
