The owner of Ruben's Bakery & Mexican Food in Compton, California, is deeply saddened and frustrated by the recent attack on his family's business. Last week, over 100 looters wreaked havoc on the bakery, leaving him heartbroken.
He is also upset that no one has been held accountable for the incident. The attack took place during an illegal street takeover on January 2, when looters used a Kia to crash into the storefront.
Heartbreak for Ruben's Bakery & Mexican Food: Family Store Targeted
Reuben Ramirez Jr. shares his deep sadness as his family's store, Ruben's Bakery & Mexican Food, fell victim to a crime. The bakery, established nearly five decades ago by his parents, who immigrated to the country, symbolizes their hard work and dedication.
Ramirez Jr. expressed his feelings: "At first, like anybody, we were angry, then we were sad. The worst was seeing my parents, who built something for over 48 years, almost lose it because of this violence that is going on right now."
The store, situated in Compton, has faced numerous challenges throughout its history, surviving the 1992 Rodney King riots and even weathering the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic. It remained open except for a few Christmas and New Year's days.
However, the recent attack forced Ramirez Jr. to close the store temporarily due to extensive damage and stolen goods. The looters caused approximately $70,000 in damage, taking food, money, lottery tickets, and various store equipment, including cash registers and meat scales.
Ramirez Jr. also mentioned that a significant amount of food had to be discarded due to potential contamination or damage concerns. The incident has devastated the Ramirez family, as their cherished establishment faces the aftermath of this destructive act.
Also Read: Breakfast Chain Farewell: West Hollywood's Iconic IHOP Location Shuts Its Doors
Revenue Loss During Peak Season Hits Ruben's Bakery & Mexican Food
Due to their special holiday bread, Ruben's Bakery & Mexican Food, usually bustling during the first week of January, faced a significant financial setback. The bakery, which relies on this busy period for revenue, has seen a decline in income.
Reuben Ramirez Jr. shared his family's concern, stating that they are not the only ones in the neighborhood who are frustrated with the illegal late-night gatherings, often marred by violence and crime.
He emphasized that many neighbors stand in solidarity with them, wanting an end to these troubling incidents. However, finding a solution to stop such occurrences remains challenging for the community.
According to a Los Angeles County sheriff's officer interviewed by the New York Post, the looting incident at Ruben's Bakery & Mexican Food included the theft of various items, such as meat scales, meat products, groceries, and lottery tickets. The criminal blitz occurred on an early Tuesday morning.
Surveillance footage captured a white Kia repeatedly ramming the bakery's front door until it finally gave way, allowing approximately 100 looters to enter and wreak havoc inside.
Ruben Ramirez, Jr., the owner, expressed his shock over the situation, stating, "This has never happened to us before. We've seen 'street takeovers' in the area, but it's never anything like this."
Despite extensive surveillance footage, Ramirez and his family were unable to identify any of the vandals involved. They hope that law enforcement in Compton and Los Angeles can develop better leads in the case.
Ramirez emphasized that while he hopes for arrests to be made, his primary goal is to see the bakery and eatery return to its previous thriving state, serving the community once more.
Related Article: America's Leading Soap Bar Manufacturer, St. Bernard, Ends Operations, Over 150 Jobs Impacted
