While capturing picturesque shots of the City Lights bookstore, famed hangout of Jack Kerouac and others, a TV journalist from the Czech Republic and his cameraman were instead held at gunpoint by three armed assailants, who made off with over $18,000 of irreplaceable equipment and content. The theft, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, has led to renewed criticism on crime in the city, according to The San Francisco Chronicle.
The Czech news crew, covering the APEC summit in San Francisco, were in the middle of capturing a shot of the beloved City Lights bookstore when the thieves approached. Bohumil Vostal found himself staring down the barrel of a gun alongside his cameraman. In addition to their expensive equipment, the crew also lost precious footage already captured during their day's work in the city, reports The Chronicle.
The aftermath of this incident has triggered public outcry and forced San Francisco's top brass into action. As per details shared by The SF Standard, San Francisco Mayor London Breed's office swiftly responded, offering empathic support to the Czech journalists and promising immediate action on the matter.
"The police will arrest you, and the (district attorney) will charge you," vowed Jeff Cretan, spokesperson for Mayor Breed, as quoted in The Chronicle. Cretan highlighted the city's aggressive stance and efforts in curbing such crimes, referencing the recent arrest and prosecution of another robbery crew.
As the city rolls out its welcome mat to visiting foreign diplomats and journalists, alike, during the APEC summit, let's hope this incident does not tarnish the city's reputation any further.
