Fresno Police investigators released security footage of the theft that occurred inside a FAX bus in East Central Fresno. "I was sitting down with my backpack, my hands were on top of my iPod and he reached into my iPod, grabbed it and turned quick enough to where I couldn't see him," said 16-year-old victim Fallon, who asked us not to release her last name.
Fallon was riding in the bus last Thursday morning when an unidentified young man in a hooded sweater grabbed the $200 worth iPod and ran from the bus after it stopped on Peach and Olive. In the surveillance video, you can clearly see the suspect as he waits to make the grab. The suspect and his friend then ran from the rear exit of the bus. "It was out in the open where everyone could see it but it was under my hands so I didn't know someone would take it out of my hands," said Fallon.
Police released the video to make people more aware of their surroundings while in a public place. "Suspects that are willing to do these types of crimes are looking for victims that are unable to defend themselves or the property and they're just seizing the opportunity," said Fresno Police Detective Doug Kirkorian.
FAX buses have eight security cameras throughout the bus to catch all angles. "We have a camera that shoots the back half of the bus and we have a camera that shoots the door," said Ken Hamm, director of Public Transportation for the city of Fresno.
All city buses have been equipped with the high-tech cameras since the past 6 months to keep people safe. "Security was the primary objective. We want people to know that when they get aboard a bus, they're going to be safe. We're hoping this will discourage some behavior on our buses," said Hamm.
As for Fallon, who rides the bus regularly, she says she'll pay more attention to her surroundings.
Police and public transit officials hope the incident encourages people to be more cautious with their property. The police department is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.
