Compton, CA – An extensive investigation is currently in progress following an incident in which a mob, participating in a nearby street takeover, vandalized Ruben’s Bakery & Mexican Food, resulting in substantial financial losses, according to the store’s owner.
The disturbance unfolded during a street takeover at the intersection of N. Santa Fe Avenue and El Segundo Boulevard in the early hours of Tuesday, as reported by deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. At approximately 2:30 a.m., the crowd diverted its focus towards Ruben’s Bakery & Mexican Food on N. Santa Fe Avenue.
Surveillance footage captured a white Kia repeatedly slamming into the bakery’s entrance before numerous individuals flooded inside. Footage from within the store revealed suspects pillaging the premises, allegedly seizing lottery tickets, cash, and merchandise. The aftermath left the business in disarray, with significant damage to property.
Responding to calls regarding both the street takeover and the robbery, deputies discovered burning debris in the street, a shattered front entrance of the bakery, and incinerated mattresses and Christmas trees. Despite the chaos, no arrests were made, as the crowd dispersed upon law enforcement’s arrival.
Juan Chavez, an employee at Ruben’s, disclosed that the bakery suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages. Investigators intend to conduct a door knock with the registered owner of the vehicle used to ram the entrance, aiming to ascertain if it was stolen before the incident.
During a Compton City Council meeting, residents, including Cindi Enamorado, expressed their frustration. Enamorado’s brother lost his life in an accident involving a driver allegedly leaving a street takeover in unincorporated Compton.
Enamorado voiced her concerns, stating, “Setting cars on fire, crashing into innocent victims—none of that is waking anyone up.” She, along with other residents, highlighted the recurring nature of street takeovers, occurring weekly for the past three years. Compton’s Mayor, Emma Sharif, acknowledged the ongoing issue, asserting that the city has been actively developing an ordinance for months to address the concerns raised by the community.
“We do hear them and understand their concerns. We are working diligently to address those concerns,” stated Mayor Sharif. The investigation into the bakery incident continues, with authorities striving to bring those responsible to justice and curb the recurring street takeover issue in the city.