Two weeks ago Monday on January 13, 2025 I was violently assaulted while in my locked car at a gas local station, before I could drive away. It happened following work in a nice neighborhood, giving tennis lessons for the city of Oakland nearby. Thieves smashed both of my passenger side door-windows to steal my personal belongings including my tennis equipment work bag with racquets, clothing and shoes, etc., as well as a small, cosmetic size pouch. I am still without my car (in extensive collision repair shop) and must use mass transit and carshare to get to my three jobs. I work six days per week for part-time jobs, one for private clients and myself as a designer any given day of the week. I really have a day off, though I am seeking a full-time job. I was fortunate to have retained my wallet and keys in my pockets. My phone was in the cup holder.
Even with help from a couple relatives to meet my deductible and some expenses, I am unable to replace everything I have lost in tennis work equipment. I teach tennis five days per week both for Oakland Parks & Recreation and private clients, as this is my main livley-hood. The two-ten year old pair of racquets (in my stolen bag) alone are valued at $500+; I had two youth racquets as well for small children I taught earlier that day. (I often provide equipment for my students of any age) Value of my belongings is estimated at $1100 and the car damage now at $1200.
I was at the Ken Betts Chevron gas station, corner of Lakeshore Ave & Mandana Blvd at approximately 915-925pm. I struggled to get my gas door open a few minutes then began to pump five gallons of gas due to an empty tank and one mile of hybrid battery charge remaining after work; I did not have enough to get home 1.5 miles away. Once I began pumping gas, another vehicle drove in and parked opposite the pump from my car but did not get out to pump gas. I was alert and aware. No other patrons were present, having already exited the station. One attendant was inside station store structure. A local bus driver had entered bathroom a minute before. I watched the other vehicle as I pumped gas, noticing they retreated, closed car door, not getting out when I stood in view between pumps to see what they were doing. Once finished I quickly got receipt, did not take eyes off of the dark tinted windows of vehicle until in my car, doors locked. As I reached to start my car they jumped out, appeared at the passenger side, placed a glass puncture tool at window and shattered glass on passenger door. They reached in and took a small pouch from front seat, then proceeded to puncture the rear door glass and pulled out my large tennis duffle containing equipment, clothing and personal items. I got out of my car and yelled that there was no money in either bag and to give me back my things but they were driving away.
I yelled for the attendant who was looking down at his phone the entire time and saw nothing until I knocked on glass. Then the bus driver emerged from restroom and came over to see my car, while I was telling the attendant what happened and asking for help. I was told I can call the police but he could not do anything. I did not call because I know the police will not come for vehicle vandalism and personal theft. The attendant then informed me he texted the manager about the incident and that I could return the next day to talk to them to inquire about camera footage of the incident with police and file a report.
I cleared my driver seat of as much glass as possible & drove home. I discovered I was cut & bleeding once home and called OPD 1003pm.
After a denied online filed police report, the police came on January 15, to take a report in person and document my vehicle damage, noting stollen belongings so that I may press charges id criminal are caught. That same day my car went in for repair. I had to drive it myself with broken and still falling glass. It was traumatic just to. get in my car again days after the incident. I am utilizing my therapist but have had to take unpaid time off work to recover and quell my frequent anxiety and ptsd.
I am asking for monetary help of any amount, even $5, $10, $15, $20 or more the you can donate to my financial recover from this horrible event.
I have no plans to get gas at night again but, on that night I had no choice, having worked 8 days straight without a day off and danger of running out of power before arriving home. Please show empathy and understanding if you cannot give any donation. Thank you. Anonymous donations welcome for safety and privacy.
Kindest Regards,
Candace Mercomes Jacobs
