Brazen Pursuit: San Leandro Store Owner Robbed of Cigarettes After Being Followed Home to Concord

It’s a scenario no small business owner ever wants to face: the feeling of being watched, followed, and then, the chilling reality of being robbed right outside your own home. That’s precisely what happened to a 52-year-old convenience store owner from San Leandro in the early hours of Friday morning, in what police are calling a brazen, targeted robbery.

The victim, whose name hasn't been released, had just finished a long day at his San Leandro store. Unbeknownst to him, he was being trailed, presumably from the moment he left his business. The suspects, three individuals in a dark-colored sedan, followed him all the way to his residence in Concord, a considerable distance. Can you imagine the sheer audacity, the meticulous planning involved in such a pursuit?

The terrifying encounter unfolded around 12:45 a.m. near the 2600 block of Rockwood Drive in Concord. As the store owner was stepping out of his vehicle, perhaps tired and just looking forward to resting, he was confronted by the trio. One of the suspects was reportedly armed with a handgun, turning what was already a deeply unsettling situation into a truly perilous one. This wasn't a random snatch-and-grab; it was clearly a calculated move.

Their target? A substantial haul of cigarettes. The robbers made off with approximately 50 cartons, an inventory worth a staggering $7,000. For a small business, that’s not just merchandise; it’s a significant chunk of capital, lost in an instant, likely purchased for resale and now gone. It’s a painful blow, financially and emotionally.

Concord police quickly responded to the scene, and given the interstate nature of the pursuit, their counterparts in San Leandro were also notified. As of now, authorities have yet to make any arrests in connection with this troubling incident. It serves as a stark reminder for business owners, especially those who handle valuable inventory, to remain vigilant and consider their security protocols, both at work and on the journey home. This wasn't just a theft; it was a violation of personal safety and peace of mind.