Bay Area/ San Francisco
Published on October 13, 2017
Armed Robbers Steal Bingo Cash In ParkmercedPhotos: Dave Claffey/Hoodline Tipline

Last night at 8:15pm, two male suspects in their early 20s entered a community room at the KZV Armenian School at 825 Brotherhood Way in Park Merced, and stole cash intended for a bingo jackpot.

According to police, the two suspects brandished a handgun before demanding the loot. One of the suspects then took money from the till of a cash drawer before they fled in an unknown vehicle. 

Robbers entered the community hall around 8:15pm. | Photo: Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee/Facebook

Dave Claffey—who happened to be participating in the bingo festivities for the first time—told Hoodline he was expecting "a casual night of fun bingo" when the festivities were interrupted.

"We were halfway through the game and then everyone got really quiet," he said. "A guy came in wearing all black and had a black mask on. The cash till was pretty close to the door." 

Based on the number of attendees and the amount required to enter the game, Claffey estimated the thieves snatched "about a thousand bucks and then took off." 

No arrests have been made in the case.

Anyone who has information about this incident is encouraged to contact SFPD via the department's anonymous tip line at 415-575-4444, or text TIP411 with "SFPD" at the start of the message.

Here’s why we usually don’t include suspect descriptions in crime reports.