Key Takeaways:
- A shapewear store in Baldwin Park, California was vandalized when a pickup truck intentionally rammed into the building.
- The incident occurred on December 13, just after 11 p.m., and caused approximately $17,000 worth of damage.
- The owners of the store believe the vandalism was a targeted attack, possibly in retaliation for calling the police on homeless individuals in the area.
- The store owners have struggled with ongoing problems in the area, including trash, broken windows, and drug use.
- The owners are considering relocating their business due to safety concerns and a lack of support from local authorities.
Introduction to the Incident
The owners of Fajas Genoveva, a shapewear store in Baldwin Park, California, are reeling after a vandal intentionally slammed a pickup truck into their building. The incident occurred on Saturday, December 13, just after 11 p.m., and was captured on surveillance video. The footage shows a white pickup truck ramming into the building and taking off, leaving the owners to deal with the aftermath. The following morning, a white Hummer and an SUV were seen pulling up to the store, with at least two people walking in and out of the business. However, despite the suspicious activity, nothing was stolen from the store.
The Damage and Emotional Toll
The owners of Fajas Genoveva, Ive Kruchinski and Steven Reyes, were devastated by the vandalism. Kruchinski described the damage as extensive, with the roof collapsed and debris scattered throughout the store. The incident has also taken a personal toll on the owners, who have invested their passion and hard work into the business. Kruchinski expressed her feelings of frustration and sadness, stating that the vandalism feels like a personal attack on her and her business. Reyes also shared his concerns, stating that the ongoing problems in the area have made it difficult for them to focus on their business.
Ongoing Problems in the Area
The owners of Fajas Genoveva have struggled with ongoing problems in the area, including trash, broken windows, and drug use. Reyes described the situation as a "constant feud" with homeless individuals and drug users in the area. The owners have tried to work with the unhoused population, pointing them towards resources and offering support. However, the vandalism incident has been the last straw, and the owners are now considering relocating their business due to safety concerns. Reyes expressed his frustration, stating that the lack of support from local authorities has made it difficult for them to operate their business safely.
Investigation and Response
The Baldwin Park Police Department initially believed that the suspect was a drunk or impaired driver, but Reyes is skeptical of this theory. He believes that the vandalism was a targeted attack, possibly in retaliation for calling the police on homeless individuals in the area. The police department has not identified any suspects in the case, and Eyewitness News has reached out for more information but has not received a response. The owners are calling for more support from local authorities to address the ongoing problems in the area and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Future of the Business
The vandalism incident has left the owners of Fajas Genoveva with a significant amount of damage, estimated to be around $17,000. Kruchinski and Reyes are considering relocating their business to a safer area, but are unsure if they will be able to reopen. Reyes wrote a letter to the city council, warning them about the potential consequences of not addressing the ongoing problems in the area. He hopes that the incident will serve as a warning to the city council and that they will take action to support local businesses and residents. The future of Fajas Genoveva remains uncertain, and only time will tell if the owners will be able to recover from the vandalism and continue to operate their business.
