In the next clip of our exclusive interview with Fox 11 investigative reporter Chris Blatchford, the journalist recalls his very first day at Fox 11 News, an unforgettable moment in history. It was April 29, 1992, the day the Rodney King riots erupted in Los Angeles, plunging the city into chaos and unrest.

Blatchford vividly recounts the harrowing experience of being surrounded by rioters while on assignment. The news van he was in shook violently as tensions escalated, and for a brief moment, he believed he wouldn’t make it out alive. Just as fear turned to resignation, an unexpected hero emerged, a police officer who risked everything to pull the news crew to safety.

The veteran reporter’s raw and powerful recollection offers an unparalleled view into one of the most volatile weeks in Los Angeles history. His fearless coverage of the riots not only captivated the nation but also earned him widespread acclaim, including a personal visit from Fox CEO Rupert Murdoch.