Crime never rests.
Two robbers tried to steal equipment from an NBC Bay Area camera crew as they were interviewing Guillermo Cespedes, Oakland’s Chief of Violence Prevention in front of city hall.
The incident took place just hours after Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong denounced a move by the city council to cut the police budget by $17 million.
"That additional $17 million that was reduced from the police department’s budget will have an impact," said Armstrong. "When you hear the statements from those that say 'nothing will change,' that is not true."
Luckily no one was hurt. An armed security officer was with the news crew and prevented the robbery.
The suspects ran off without the camera.
Oakland has recorded 65 homicides so far this year, nearly twice the number from this time last year, according to reporting by the San Francisco Chronicle.
Supporters of defunding the police say those funds will pay for more "violence interrupters" who work to prevent crimes before they happen, as well as expand job opportunities in high-poverty areas.
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