A mob of looters ransacked an Oakland gas station convenience store, causing thousands of dollars in damage.
The incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. on Friday at the 76 Station near the Oakland International Airport. Owner Sam Mardaie estimated that approximately 80 to 100 people broke into the store and grabbed various items, causing extensive destruction.
NEW: 80 to 100 people allegedly destroyed and vandalized a gas station mart on Hegenberger in Oakland this morning
According to @DionLimTV the owner says the group broke fridges, dismantled the ATM, and caused around $100,000 in damage and losses The owner claims he filed a… pic.twitter.com/m58PcruVKn — Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) July 6, 2024
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The looters snatched drinks, food items, and a television, and approximately $25,000 in cash was taken from the store's register and ATM. Employees inside the store were also reportedly threatened during the incident, which lasted around 40 minutes.
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Mardaie expressed his frustration, stating that he and his family took over the business in August 2023, and the looting has set them back significantly.
After calling the police, Mardaie was informed that the crime was listed as a Priority 2, and it was only after a video of the incident was shared with the department that it was raised to a Priority 1. An officer was dispatched to the store nine hours after the robbery began.
The incident adds to concerns about the surge in crime in the area. Several restaurant chains have closed their stores in the area, and a family pulled their son out of a local college due to safety concerns.
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