A mob of nearly 100 looters wreaked havoc at an Oakland gas station convenience store, causing extensive damage and leaving the store owner frustrated at the delayed police response. The incident unfolded at the 76 Station near the San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport in the early hours of Friday morning following a nearby car sideshow.
Store owner Sam Mardaie recounted the chaos as approximately 80 to 100 individuals forcibly entered his store, destroying shelves, vandalizing grocery items, and looting various products. Surveillance footage captured the looters grabbing drinks, food items, boxes, baskets, and even a television from the store.
Some looters went as far as climbing over the register to access items underneath the counter. The group expressed displeasure at being restricted to window service only, a standard practice for the 24/7 establishment during overnight hours. Despite making off with around $25,000 from the register and ATM, they were unable to breach the safe.
During the 40-minute spree, two store employees were reportedly threatened as they witnessed the mass looting unfold. Mardaie described the ordeal as incredibly challenging, particularly after dedicating significant effort to the business since taking over with his family in August 2023.
Following a distress call to the Oakland police, the dispatcher initially categorized the incident as a Priority 2 due to the absence of suspects on-site, suggesting online reporting. Only after a video of the looting circulated, prompting a Priority 1 designation, did an officer finally respond to the scene.
