A Fremont cannabis store, Ruckus Recreational, has become the target of a brazen heist for the second time in recent months, as thieves used a stolen car to ram into the storefront early Wednesday morning. The latest incident, which occurred on November 27, 2024, has left the local community shaken and the store’s owner facing more damage.
Thieves Smash Into Store in Stolen Car
The crime took place around 3 a.m., when five suspected thieves rammed a white Hyundai Tucson into the side wall of Ruckus Recreational on North 36th Street near Phinney Avenue. According to police reports, the crooks smashed into the building three times, causing significant damage. They knocked over protective bollards, destroyed part of the wall, and created a large hole in the store’s exterior, which was later covered with plywood.
Witnesses reported seeing the thieves, who appeared to be around 18 years old, wearing all black and ski masks. They were seen loading marijuana products into two other vehicles after repeatedly entering and exiting the store. Police believe the Hyundai used in the crime was stolen, as it showed signs of ignition damage. The vehicle was towed away as evidence.
Frequent Target of Crime
Sadly, this is not the first time Ruckus Recreational has fallen victim to thieves. Local residents expressed frustration, noting that similar incidents have happened repeatedly over the past few months. Jesse Niemer, a Fremont local, commented, “It happens like once a month, and it just sucks because the people that work here have to deal with it, and they’re all real nice. It’s just another local business that keeps getting hit.”
This latest break-in follows a similar heist that occurred in September 2024, when thieves used a stolen car to break into the same store and make off with marijuana products. Although the police investigation is ongoing, it remains unclear if any suspects have been charged in connection with that earlier crime.
Impact on Local Community
The frequent crimes targeting local businesses have left both the store’s employees and nearby residents feeling uneasy. Linea Jonasson, a Fremont resident, expressed her disbelief, saying, “They don’t deserve this. I don’t understand why this is OK.” The rising trend of thefts and the apparent lack of deterrence from law enforcement has caused growing frustration within the neighborhood.
Despite investing in significant security measures, such as bollards and gates, the store has become a frequent target for criminals. This highlights the ongoing challenges faced by cannabis businesses in ensuring their safety amidst the rising demand and regulatory pressures.
