Video shows frustrated Target shopper stepping in to stop thief, rip bin from his hands: 'Stop that s**t, man! Get a f***ing job!'



Police in Colma, California, announced this week that they have arrested and charged the brazen shoplifter who was seen being confronted by a shopper in a video that has circulated on social media since last month.

The dramatic video shows the reported thief, 28-year-old Samuel Balcorta of San Francisco, shamelessly carrying a bin of stolen items through the exit doors of a Bay Area Target on March 16, when suddenly an unarmed shopper approaches him and rips the bin from his hands.

The unidentified Target shopper, evidently fed up with rampant crime in the area, then yelled at Balcorta, a repeat offender, to stop what he was doing.

"Stop that s**t, man! Get a f***ing job!" he can be heard shouting at the thief.

Meanwhile, the person allegedly recording the video helplessly claimed, "They can't do nothing."

\u201cStop that s\u2014 man! Get a f\u2014 job!\u201d Citizen frustrated over thefts tries to stop @Target shoplifter. The suspect, Samuel Balcorta, was later arrested, per @ColmaPDpic.twitter.com/pV51VFw2Iq
— Henry K. Lee (@Henry K. Lee) 1649727842

The random shopper's actions perfectly encapsulate the sentiment that many Americans have undoubtedly felt amid the country's ongoing crime wave. That is, frustration upon witnessing shoplifters and other opportunistic criminals carrying out lawless deeds with little consequence in Democratic-controlled jurisdictions.

But in a tweet thread posted Monday, the Colma Police Department shared that the brave citizen's actions were not fruitless. In fact, after confronting the thief, the shopper alerted police, leading to Balcorta's arrest.

It was later revealed that Balcorta was out on bail for a prior felony charge.

"The person seen confronting the suspect was not a store employee. He was a citizen shopping at the store who intervened because, as he told the officers, he was frustrated with the increase in thefts," the department wrote.

"He called police and we responded," the post continued, adding that Balcorta was arrested and booked on burglary and grand theft charges as well as an additional felony charge for committing a felony while out on bail.

He called police and we responded. The suspect, Samuel Balcorta, a 28-year-old San Francisco resident, was located, arrested and booked into jail for burglary, grand theft, and an additional felony charge for committing a felony while out on bail/OR for a prior felony case. (2/5)pic.twitter.com/MJ55kdgbfM
— Colma Police Department (@Colma Police Department) 1649698398

In subsequent tweets, the department chided the videographer's reaction to the crime, saying, "Unlike the videographer’s belief that we 'can’t do anything,' we can and will respond."

Police added that they understand the citizen's "frustration" with out-of-control crime but warned against taking similar action, noting that intervening in a crime-in-progress can be dangerous.

"The suspects in these thefts are often repeat offenders, some who carry weapons, are part of an organized retail theft crew, and/or have ties to violent gangs," the department said. "While we appreciate the assistance, we want you to maintain your safety and be the best witness you can for us."

Security guard, a former cop, shot and killed while protecting TV news crew during robbery; colleagues honor 'kind person with a heart of gold'



A former police officer turned security guard was gunned down while protecting a TV news crew in Oakland, California. Kevin Nishita succumbed to his gunshot injuries and passed away. A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the gunman.

On Nov. 24, a KRON-TV news team was covering the aftermath of a smash-and-grab robbery where 12 thieves raided a clothing store. At 12:20 p.m., an assailant allegedly attempted to steal KRON's camera equipment. Nishita — who was providing security for the TV news crew — attempted to protect the KRON employees, but a gunman shot the security guard.

Nishita was shot in the lower abdomen, and rushed to the Highland Hospital. He was in critical condition and needed emergency surgery. Sadly, Nishita passed away at 4:39 a.m. on Saturday.

An onlooker was hit by bullet shrapnel, according to the Oakland Police Department. He was taken to a hospital, and is listed in stable condition.

The Oakland Police Department released a photo of the suspect's vehicle: a 2004–2008 Acura TL, white, 4-door, with a sunroof and no front license plate.

A reward of $32,500 is being offered to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest of the shooter. KRON and its parent company, Nexstar Media Inc.; Nishita's employer, Star Protection Agency; and the Oakland Police Department donated to the reward fund.

Investigators with Oakland Police Department's Homicide Section are asking anyone with information to contact them at (510) 238-3426.

Nishita leaves behind a wife, two children, and three grandchildren.

Prior to working as a security guard, Nishita served as a police officer at the Oakland Housing Authority, Hayward Police, San Jose Police, and the Colma Police departments.

Tributes poured in from police departments in the area.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of retired Sergeant Kevin Nishita. On 11/24/21, Kevin was shot while providing security as an armed guard in Oakland. He was rushed to a local hospital for medical attention and succumbed to his injuries this morning," the Colma Police Department said on social media.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of retired Sergeant Kevin Nishita. On 11/24/21, Kevin was shot while providing security as an armed guard in Oakland. He was rushed to a local hospital for medical attention and succumbed to his injuries this morning.pic.twitter.com/ut1jKx4tyi
— Colma Police Department (@Colma Police Department) 1638041986

The San Jose Police Department released a statement on the murder of one of their former officers.

It is with great sadness and broken hearts that we are sharing the news of the passing of former San José Police Officer Kevin Nishita #3740. On November 24, 2021, Kevin was working a security detail for a local news crew in the City of Oakland when he was shot during an attempted robbery. He was taken to a local hospital with a life-threatening injury, he remained in critical condition until today when he succumbed to his injury.
Kevin was employed by the City of San José as a Police Officer from 2001-2012. During his time with us he worked as a Gang Investigations detective as well as working our Gaming/Vice Unit. In addition to his Police assignments, Kevin also spent some time representing his peers as a director with the San José Police Officers Association. In 2012 he joined the Colma Police Department.

San José Chief of Police Anthony Mata said, "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."

"His contagious smile, passion to serve others, and an unmatched work ethic embodied the best of all of us," Mata continued. "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," he added.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nishita family during this difficult time as we honor Kevin's memory. Our flags will remain at half-staff until his funeral," Mata concluded. "Our sincerest condolences to the Nishita family, he leaves behind a wife, children, and grandchildren. He touched many of us and will not be forgotten by those us who still called him friend at the San José Police Department. Godspeed."

KRON employees reacted to the tragic shooting death by praising Nishita.

"Words cannot express my heartbreak. Kevin Nishita was a good man who took his job seriously. He kept me and my colleagues safe. He did not deserve this. He and his family will be forever in my prayers," said KRON reporter Maureen Kelly.

Words cannot express my heartbreak. Kevin Nishita was a good man who took his job seriously. He kept me and my colleagues safe. He did not deserve this. He and his family will be forever in my prayers.https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/kron4-security-guard-dies-from-injuries-after-attempted-armed-robbery/\u00a0\u2026
— Maureen Kelly (@Maureen Kelly) 1638038881
Today we learned that Kevin Nishita has died after being shot while working as a security guard with one of our reporters on a story in Oakland. Kevin was an unbelievably kind person with a heart of gold. This never should have happened. My thoughts are with his family.pic.twitter.com/AqkaQ5Qd6W
— Kylen Mills (@Kylen Mills) 1638042258
Kevin Nishita. He was our friend. He was an officer and a gentleman in every sense of the word. I literally texted him yesterday telling him if needs anything let me know. This isn\u2019t fair. There are killers still out there who ripped him from his family .pic.twitter.com/KtZdbzmY23
— Will Tran (@Will Tran) 1638045801
I worked with Kevin often. He was a really good guy who took his job seriously. His loss is a heavy blow.https://twitter.com/kron4news/status/1464610454697820168\u00a0\u2026
— Chuck Clifford (@Chuck Clifford) 1638044744
Heartbroken today seeing this news. My colleagues who go out into the field spoke so highly of Kevin who helped keep them safe on the daily while doing their jobs. My heart goes out his family.https://twitter.com/kron4news/status/1464628524703043594\u00a0\u2026
— John Shrable (@John Shrable) 1638043648
A devastating update to the assignment turned nightmare for a KRON crew in Oakland. \n\nMy heart goes out to Kevin\u2019s family and friends.https://twitter.com/kron4news/status/1464628524703043594\u00a0\u2026
— Ashley Zavala (@Ashley Zavala) 1638035123


RIP Kevin he did everything with a smile and was always a joy to work with.https://twitter.com/kron4news/status/1464628524703043594\u00a0\u2026
— Taylor Bisacky (@Taylor Bisacky) 1638037580



This is Kevin Nishita. \n\nHe leaves behind a wife, two children and three grandchildren. \n\nHe worked as an armed guard for Star Protection Agency and is a former Police officer.\n\nHe died doing his job\u2026 protecting our reporter so she could do hers.\n\nIt\u2019s tragic and senseless.pic.twitter.com/M4Xm9NHXFq
— Jonathan McCall (@Jonathan McCall) 1638033220
Kevin Nishita honorably and bravely protected Bay Area TV reporters for years. I don\u2019t pray very often but I prayed for him. \nThis morning we are heartbroken. The @ACSOSheriffs escorted his body from the hospital in Oakland with full law enforcement honors.pic.twitter.com/LfSEdWfzJj
— Amy Larson (@Amy Larson) 1638037308

Nishita's murder was the 126th death this year that Oakland police are investigating as a homicide.