Florida family warns visitors after Oakland theft ruins college plans
Florida family warns visitors after Oakland theft ruins college plans
A Florida family’s recent visit to Oakland took a distressing turn when they were victims of a theft that shattered their plans to enroll their son in college. Rhomel Crossman, fresh from high school graduation, had intended to start his journey at Lincoln University in downtown Oakland. However, a traumatic experience has led his family to reconsider.
On their arrival last Saturday, the family rented a car from Thrifty to navigate the city. They parked the vehicle a block away from the university on the corner of 15th and Franklin Streets to grab a meal from a local Jamaican restaurant. Within 15 minutes, their rented white Nissan Rogue was broken into. As a result, five suitcases were stolen. Some contained critical personal documents and valuables worth thousands of dollars.
Crossman’s mother, Nerissa Murray Watson, described the aftermath, saying:
“Three thousand dollars, three passports, social security cards, my son’s high school diploma, and his birth certificate—all gone.”
In addition, they lost a sleep apnea machine. It is essential for a family member’s health.
A witness reported seeing masked men in a car without license plates committing the theft in broad daylight. Despite multiple calls to the police, the family was directed to file a report at a police station. As a result, adding to their frustration.
Shocked by the incident and concerned for their son’s safety, Murray Watson decided to withdraw Crossman from Lincoln University, opting instead to return to Florida.
“I have to bring back my son to Florida because it’s not safe here,” she stated.
This incident occurs despite the city’s claims of decreased crime rates, with recent data indicating a significant drop in car burglaries and violent crime in Oakland.
Source: KTVU
Florida family warns visitors after Oakland theft ruins college plans