Early Friday morning in Oakland, California, chaos erupted as a mob of people ransacked a gas station mini-mart near the San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport. The shocking surveillance video captured suspects in a flash mob tearing apart the store, causing an estimated $100,000 in damages. The owner of the 76 Gas Station & Mini Market, Sam Mardaie, expressed his devastation at the destruction caused by the thieves.
Mardaie shared with FOX 2 the emotional toll of witnessing his store being destroyed after putting in endless hours of hard work. He also highlighted the delayed response from the police, stating that it took them “nine hours” to arrive at the scene after classifying the crime as a priority two, indicating no suspects were present.
According to Mardaie, the suspects, who were believed to be linked to an illegal sideshow gathering nearby, spent about 40 minutes looting the store while it was operating on a window-only service basis. The sheer audacity and speed with which the mob carried out the robbery left Mardaie in disbelief, emphasizing the level of devastation caused by their actions.
Despite the quick response from Oakland Police after viewing the surveillance footage, the thieves had already fled the scene by the time authorities arrived. The brazen nature of the crime and the significant damages incurred serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by small business owners in vulnerable areas.
The incident sheds light on the growing trend of flash mob robberies that have been plaguing communities across the country. The coordination and scale of such attacks pose a serious threat to the safety and security of businesses and their employees. It is essential for law enforcement agencies to address these issues promptly and effectively to prevent further incidents from occurring.
As the investigation into the mini-mart robbery continues, the local community is left grappling with the aftermath of the senseless act of violence and destruction. The resilience and determination of small business owners like Sam Mardaie serve as a testament to their unwavering commitment to overcome adversity and rebuild in the face of adversity.