Store Owners Suspect Intentional Vandalism
In Baldwin Park, the proprietors of a shapewear shop are convinced that their establishment was deliberately targeted when a pickup truck crashed into the building. The event occurred on Saturday, December 13, shortly after 11 p.m. at Fajas Genoveva on Maine Avenue.
Security footage reveals a white pickup truck forcefully striking the structure before fleeing the scene. The next morning, a white Hummer and an SUV were observed arriving at the location, with individuals seen entering and exiting the premises. Despite this, the owners confirmed to ABC7 that no items were taken during the incident.
"All of my roof was on the floor, and everything was like really bad," stated owner Ive Kruchinski. She described the destruction as severe and emotionally impactful, noting, "To create something for me to feel like, 'I did it' and a lot of customers love me because it's my passion."
Ongoing Challenges in the Area
Kruchinski and co-owner Steven Reyes expressed difficulty in maintaining their business focus amid persistent local problems. "It's countless trash in the front of our store, if it's not trash, it's always alcohol bottles, cans, drug use ... everything," Reyes explained. "Everything you can think of. We've had our windows broken, and it's just a constant, constant feud with the homeless that's out here and the drug users, to be honest."
Authorities from the Baldwin Park Police Department initially considered the possibility of an intoxicated or impaired driver, but Reyes disputes this theory. "We had an incident the prior week, again, with the homeless," he told Eyewitness News. "We finally called the cops, and they came right away. So I assumed they believe that we called the cops on them, and that's why we would be targeted, obviously."
Financial and Emotional Toll
The attack resulted in approximately $17,000 in damages, prompting the owners to reconsider their location. "I don't feel safe right now, I don't feel not at all safe, so we have to move from this area," Kruchinski admitted. Reyes added, "She and I remodeled this whole thing together. Now, we're going to have to start all over somewhere again, and only time will tell if we even open up somewhere else. We'll see."
In response, Reyes recently sent a letter to the city council, emphasizing that while it may be too late for their business, the situation should serve as a cautionary tale. "At this point, it's just as soon as they help the next person, you know? ... That this doesn't continue to happen to them," he remarked.
The owners mentioned efforts over several months to assist unhoused individuals in the vicinity by directing them to resources, but they view this incident as a breaking point. Currently, no suspects have been identified in the case, and Eyewitness News has contacted the Baldwin Park Police Department for additional details without receiving a response.
