The owner of a California bakery looted by a mob of more than 100 looters last week is heartbroken for his family's business and angry that no one was punished while condemning rising crime in the state. are doing.
Reuben's Bakery & Mexican Food in Compton was the target of an extensive push and pull during an illegal street takeover on Jan. 2, when looters used a Kia to enter the storefront.
Ruben Ramirez Jr., who opened the store nearly 50 years ago after his parents immigrated to this country, said it was heartbreaking to see his business become a victim of crime.
“Like everyone else, we were angry at first, then sad.” Ramirez Jr. told Fox News. “The worst part was watching my parents, who had spent over 48 years building something, about to lose it because of the violence that was happening.”
“Street occupations in Compton are getting worse and worse.”
The store survived the 1992 Rodney King riots and the coronavirus pandemic, and has never closed for more than a day except for Christmas and New Year's.
However, Ramirez Jr. was forced to close for several days due to the amount of damage and stolen goods.
Looters caused at least $70,000 worth of damage, including food, cash, lottery tickets, store equipment such as cash registers and meat scales, and everything else stolen in the massive looting.
Ramirez Jr. also said he had to throw out a lot of food because it could become contaminated or spoiled.
The bakery also experienced a drop in income, as the first week of January is typically busy to make special holiday breads.
Ramirez Jr. said his family is not the only one frustrated by illegal late-night gatherings that often result in violence and crime.
“My neighbors here are telling me the same thing. They're with us and they want this to stop, but they don't know how to stop it,” Ramirez Jr. said. Ta.
Ramirez Jr. hopes the vandals will be brought to justice, but he wants to continue serving his community and making people happy “and make people happy even when they don't have food.” I'm more focused on rebuilding my business.
After the looting, store owners looked at security camera footage to identify the robbers, but they couldn't tell because most of them were wearing masks or hoods.
“It was heartbreaking to watch,” Ramirez Jr. said of the surveillance recording.
“We need better policies for communities to help us. I sometimes say these relaxed laws don't help and it's hard-working people who suffer. I hate to say it, but what do we do? But no one is punished.”
Compton officials say they are working to crack down on squatters on the streets.
“The City of Compton is working closely with the Sheriff's Office to identify and apprehend the perpetrators,” Compton Mayor Emma Sharif said in a statement to the Post. She said: “Ensuring the safety of our city's businesses and residents is our top priority. No local business should have to endure such fear and destruction.”
“The incident that occurred this morning in District 2 is absolutely unacceptable. It is extremely disappointing to see a local business attacked and destroyed,” said Compton City Councilman Andre, who represents the area where the bakery is located. Spicer said.
“We need to support our local businesses and make sure criminals understand that we will not tolerate the destruction of beloved local institutions that are the backbone of our city,” Spicer added.
The store partially reopened on Jan. 5, Ramirez Jr. said. fox 11 los angeles “It feels good to be back.”
Founded by a family friend GoFundMe goal is $75,000 That would allow the store to fully reopen, and a portion of the profits would be distributed to employees.
The crowdfunding project had raised more than $77,000 as of Sunday morning.
