A group of approximately 20 youths, estimated to be between 14 and 20 years old, swarmed a 7-Eleven convenience store in Oakland on Saturday afternoon, causing extensive damage and leaving employees feeling vulnerable. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. in the 500 block of International Boulevard.
Shocking video footage captured the mob descending on the store, with some individuals seen shattering the front door and attempting to climb inside. The Oakland Police Department confirmed it is investigating the incident as a robbery, assault, and vandalism. According to police, the group entered the business, attempted to steal items, assaulted employees when unsuccessful, and damaged property before fleeing on bicycles.
Two employees were inside the store during the initial attack. One employee, Jasshan Singh, described feeling scared and unprotected. "We can't do anything. We can't even run," Singh told KRON4. He reported that the crowd broke "all the windows," forcing employees to take refuge in a back corner.
Another employee, Sagar Sagar, stated that a metal door handle was broken off and thrown through the glass door, striking him in the face. He described the youths as aggressive and felt helpless to intervene for fear of legal repercussions. Sagar also noted a previous incident in September 2023 where a deceased individual was found in the store's parking lot following a robbery.
Repeated Attacks and Owner's Stance
The franchise owner, DA Brar, stated this was the fifth time the store had been targeted this year, resulting in approximately $25,000 in damages. Despite the repeated incidents, Brar expressed a commitment to keeping the store open and accessible to customers, resisting the idea of installing security bars or stronger locks. "These corner gas stations, 7-Elevens, they're called convenience stores, where the customer can get in and out in three to five minutes for their essential needs," Brar said. "So, no. I will not close the door. I will not put the bars there."
Brar acknowledged the difficulty in hiring and retaining staff due to safety concerns. "We are very much concerned for our employees' safety," he said.
A regular customer, Jinny Sharma, expressed shock at the daylight attack and a feeling of unsafety in the community. "Oakland is a great city, it's a beautiful city, and there's just not enough police patrol," Sharma told KRON4.
City Councilmember Charlene Wang, who chairs the Public Safety Committee for the area, stated that new police officers are undergoing training and are expected to be on the streets within months. "We're working on securing International Boulevard. This is a priority of mine," Wang said.
The 7-Eleven remains open, continuing to serve customers amidst ongoing concerns about crime and safety in the area.