Popular Oakland taco truck robbed at gunpoint
OAKLAND, Calif. - Police are investigating an armed robbery at a popular taco truck in East Oakland.
The robbery occurred at around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday in the 9800 block of San Leandro Street, according to the Oakland Police Department. The location is home to La Parrilla Loca, a taco truck and stand known for its Tijuana-style tacos and burritos, often drawing long lines of customers.
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Oakland pizzeria workers fight back, fend off robbery attempt
Workers at a pizza shop in Oakland used a hammer - and recycling bin - to fend off a robber.
Although the police department has not officially confirmed the business's name, they said that five armed suspects approached employees inside the food truck, brandishing firearms and demanding money.
"Right now, I know that it’s hard for them to work right now, because I know that they’re thinking, you know, what if later at night they come again," said La Parilla Loca owner Mariana.
The suspects searched the food truck, but did not find any money, police said.
However, three of them approached another victim, demanding money, which was handed over before the suspects fled the area with the business' entire earnings for the day.
Though police didn't arrive in time to catch the suspects, Mariana credited the officers for their quick response time. Still, Mariana said she would like to see more officers patrolling the area to ensure the safety of local businesses and residents.
"I think we’re going to have to make some changes, for our own safety," said Mariana. "We’re working. We’re trying to survive day by day, and safety wise we don’t feel safe."
In response to the robbery, Mariana said the food truck would immediately be transitioning to mostly cashless transactions.