Exclusive video: Masked thieves ransack Bellflower gas station store during street takeover

BELLFLOWER, Calif. (KABC) -- A large group looted a Bellflower gas station convenience store early Monday after smashing through the front door during a street takeover.

Video shared exclusively with Eyewitness News showed dozens of cars gathered around the pumps at Atlas Fuel at about 2:30 a.m., with vehicles spilling onto Artesia Boulevard. In a nearby intersection, cars spun in circles while fireworks were set off.

Minutes later, multiple people with their faces covered and wearing hoodies approached the convenience store entrance and smashed through the glass door.

Once inside, masked individuals rushed into the store, taking merchandise.

The store's lone employee initially attempted to stop the intruders using a dustpan and broom before retreating behind a bulletproof partition for safety. Surveillance video showed the employee closing the partition as a masked person attempted to reach the register.

The owner, who asked not to be identified for safety reasons, said he watched the incident unfold on surveillance footage.

"Their plan was to vandalize everything inside the store. They tried to take the ATM. Everything happened in 30 seconds or one minute and then they left," the owner said.

The group dispersed when police sirens could be heard approaching.

The incident was one of about a half-dozen street takeover-related looting incidents reported in the area in recent weeks.

The owner said he is frustrated that business owners can face code enforcement actions for minor violations while those responsible for street takeovers and related crimes often avoid consequences. He said he wants those involved in the looting to be held responsible.