Crime & Safety
South Gate Family of Man Killed by Downey Police Raises Awareness, Hosts Blood Drive
The family of Michael Nida hosted a blood drive and fundraiser, at the American Legion hall in Hollydale, to raise awareness of his death.
Family members of Michael Nida, a 31-year-old South Gate resident who was killed last year by a Downey police officer, raised awareness of his death with a blood drive themed, “Give Blood, Don't Shed Blood,” in Hollydale on Saturday.
The family paired up with the American Red Cross and set up a 1st annual memorial blood drive at the American Legion on Garfield Avenue, in honor of Nida who was killed on October 22, 2011.
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Nida was allegedly mistaken for a reported armed robber when police apprehended him as he made his way to a tobacco shop in Downey.
The officers attempted to hold down Nida, but he managed to escape from them several times.
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In his last attempt to escape, a police officer shot him with an MP5 machine gun near the intersection of Imperial Highway and Paramount Boulevard.
Nida was survived by his wife of 14 years and four children.
"Just because [police officers] have a badge and a gun doesn't give them a right to take a life," said Jean Thaxton, Nida's mother.
Thaxton and other supporters are not only asking for justice in the case of Nida's death, which is still under investigation by the Sheriff's Department, but also for a revision in the guidelines for the use of firearms by officers.
Supporters have been attending every single Downey city council meeting since November of last year to raise awareness of Nida's death. They also continuously hold vigils at the scene of the shooting.
Outside of the American Legion building, family and friends sold shirts with the words "Justice for Michael Lee Nida II."
They also sold tacos and brownies, in order to raise funds for protest related materials.
A candlelight vigil for the anniversary of Nida's death will take place on Monday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.
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