STOCKTON, Calif. — San Joaquin County Sheriff's deputies are investigating after a Stockton student was violently robbed while on the way home from school leaving a neighborhood on edge.
"This neighborhood is really quiet," said Elmer Moran, who lives in the Lincoln Village area.
The peace in Moran's neighborhood was abruptly disturbed Thursday afternoon as he saw a student get beaten up and robbed near Swain Road and Harrisburg Place.
"I saw the kid walking, talking on his phone. Before he hit the corner, (the robbers') car stopped fast right where the kid was, tried to get out from the car and started beating the kid," said Moran. "I said, 'Hey, leave that kid alone.'"
Moran was working on a project outside his home when it happened just down the street. He knew he had to jump into action.
"I tried to save the kid, I tried to scare the guys," said Moran. "It's scary because you never know what's going to happen."
According to authorities, the robbers stole the student's phone before running back to their white SUV and driving away. People who saw what happened are asked to call the Sheriff's Office.
For students walking home from school, the sheriff’s office recommends not walking alone, avoiding talking to strangers, being aware of surroundings and if danger arises, going to the nearest school.
In Thursday's robbery, the nearest school would have been feet away at Village Oaks High School.
The brazen setting of the robbery is what struck Moran the most, also just a block away from the Lincoln Unified Public Safety Office.
"We need to have the police coming around more often," said Moran. "We have the police here — the security guards — but nothing. They don't see anything."
In a statement, the Lincoln Unified School District said it’s working with the Sheriff's Office on its investigation and they would have an increased presence of district safety officers in the area after school.
"Safety of our students is a top priority. We are working closely with the Sheriff’s Office and will continue to do so throughout the investigation. We have shared information with parents about the incident and a reminder that students should walk in groups when possible and stay alert to their surroundings while walking," said Superintendent Kelly Dextraze in a statement. "We have also requested that those who may observe anything suspicious should report it to authorities."
Moran is happy the situation didn’t escalate. He says he won't be letting his guard down now, hoping peace and quiet return to his neighborhood.
"I take the action like anybody else, I did my part and I hope everything is okay, I hope everything is fine," said Moran. "We are always watching you know, whoever is coming or passing. Nothing happened before — things like this. We try to live quiet."
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