Blind Woman Robbed of Cell Phone in Violent Street Robbery

SAN LEANDRO, CA — A blind woman walking with a white cane toppled to the ground as she was robbed of her cell phone on a San Leandro street last week, according to police. The suspect got away, but not for long. Multiple witnesses helped the victim and assisted police, who arrested an 18-year-old high school student for the robbery.

"I have seen many cruel acts committed against different people, but this one is especially disturbing," said San Leandro Police Lieutenant Isaac Benabou. "People in our community with disabilities are sometimes defenseless and should never be seen as a target for criminals due to their vulnerability. Rather than to prey on those who cannot protect themselves, we have a moral responsibility as human beings to help one another when in need.”

That "moral responsibility" was demonstrated by several Good Samaritans, according to Benabou.

The 38-year-old blind woman was walking on Davis Street from the San Leandro BART station last Wednesday morning at 9:30. As she was scanning her path with her cane, it came into contact with what she thought was another person. Before she could react, she felt someone grab her iPhone. She tried to fight back and lost her balance during the struggle, which caused her to fall to the ground. During the struggle, the victim screamed for help and eventually lost her grip on the phone.

A witness on a bike called 911, and then followed the suspect as he ran into the surrounding neighborhood. Information from the witness led to the suspect's capture several blocks from the crime scene.

A second witness saw the robbery from a balcony because of the victim's screams. That person also helped police.

And an AC Transit bus driver who saw the victim fall to the ground stopped his bus and helped her on board. He took her back to the BART station where she received help from the station attendant.

The suspect is Jujuan Despanie, whose photo is above. The district attorney has charged him with two felonies — robbery and abuse against a dependent adult — and one misdemeanor offense of resisting arrest.

Benabou credited the Good Samaritans. "The outcome of this case is largely due to a community effort."

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