Police stand outside Aladdin Rugs at 21st & Clement on FridayCub reporter David H. sent in the news about a strong arm robbery that took place in the neighborhood on Friday.
On Friday afternoon, two suspects walked into Aladdin Rugs at 21st Avenue and Clement Street and robbed the owner, Albert, at gunpoint.
According to witnesses, alert neighbors realized a robbery was taking place and managed to block the suspect’s getaway car from moving out of its parking space in a nearby driveway.
SFPD were in the area and responded to a 911 call very quickly. They were able to apprehend one of the suspects right away. They caught up and arrested the second suspect quickly after searching through the neighborhood.
David reported that despite being shaken up, Aladdin Rugs owner Albert was not injured during the robbery.
Sarah B.
Kudos to sharp neighbors and double parking, especially going up against a gun. Neighbors can make all the difference these days.
I saw the cops there post-mortem on the way to F&E. ‘Didn’t realize what went down.
Nice. That’s the sort of thing you imagine yourself doing when you’re feeling particularly bad-ass.
Probably does a good job deterring repeat offenders, too.
Kudos to the neighbor(s) who took action. Glad to see courage alive and well in our community.
A rather brazen robbery attempt in the middle of the afternoon and in a relatively busy area. Also, quite a foolish pair of thieves. First, thinking that a rug shop would have piles of cash just waiting to be absconded; and second, thinking that the residents of the Richmond wouldn’t whip out a can of whoop ass.
Like others said, kudos.
Aladdin has been in the neighborhood for many, many years and thought I have never shopped there, or met Albert, but I have thought of them as a neighbor for many years, and I would like Albert to know how horrified I am to read this and to send him the sincerest condolences and best wishes to Albert.
Mel, actually Albert was (and continues to be) a good target for this kind of robbery: a relatively quiet location with easy access to main roadways, a small lightly trafficked shop, and he takes CASH ONLY for products that are hundreds of dollars (though hundreds less than other stores).
I can understand (and speculate) on a number of reasons why many of our local merchants like to take CASH ONLY, but I really hope that it doesn’t continue to encourage more attempts like this. Four suspects with firearms? This could have gone really bad, really quick.
BTW: nice job neighbors!