Vandal Intentionally Rams Truck into Baldwin Park Shapewear Store

In Baldwin Park, California, a shapewear store was targeted in an alarming incident when a truck intentionally crashed into the building. This event occurred on Saturday, December 13, shortly after 11 p.m.

Details of the Incident

The affected business, Fajas Genoveva, is located on Maine Avenue. Surveillance footage shows a white pickup truck colliding with the store before fleeing the scene. The next day, a white Hummer and an SUV were spotted near the location, with individuals entering and leaving the store; however, no items were reported stolen.

Owner’s Reaction

Ive Kruchinski, the store owner, described the scene after the crash. “All of my roof was on the floor, and everything was like really bad,” she recounted. The damage from the incident is estimated at about $17,000. Kruchinski expressed feelings of personal betrayal, stating it was disheartening considering her dedication to her business.

Community Issues

Co-owner Steven Reyes shared concerns about ongoing problems in the area, including persistent litter and drug use. “It’s countless trash in the front of our store… We’ve had our windows broken, and it’s just a constant feud with the homeless,” he lamented. This incident was not an isolated case; Reyes noted a previous encounter involving homeless individuals that heightened their concerns.

Safety Concerns and Future Plans

The police initially suspected the driver might have been impaired. However, Reyes doubted this assumption, given the circumstances surrounding their business. “I don’t feel safe right now,” Kruchinski admitted, indicating that they may need to relocate the store due to the ongoing safety issues.

Appeal for Action

In light of the incident, Reyes reached out to the city council, urging them to address the safety conditions in the area to prevent similar occurrences. He emphasized the importance of taking action to protect other businesses from experiencing similar threats.

Current Status

No suspects have been identified in the truck ramming incident, and El-Balad has sought further updates from the Baldwin Park Police Department. As the owners consider their future, they reflect on their efforts to engage with and support local unhoused individuals, though they feel this latest incident has pushed them to a breaking point.