FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Two parents spoke out Tuesday night, after a frightening experience.
One saying, “He goes, “No, I need you to come now. We just got robbed.”
Another saying, “My son, he’s traumatized.”
These parents, who asked not to be identified, say both of their sons and a friend were robbed Monday evening at the River Park shopping center in Northeast Fresno.
Video shows Fresno police flooding the scene between 5 and 6 p.m.
“I just don’t understand how something like this happens, for a child to be robbed,” one parent said.
The three boys ranged in age from 12 to 13 years old.
“Jewelry was taken from them, basically, you know, violated them. Shoes was taken from their feet, they had walked barefooted to security,” the father added.
The parents say the trio was in the restroom when another group approached them and ordered one of the boys to hand over his necklace.
Before he could remove it, the boys say a masked man snatched it off his neck and left.
Seconds later, the perpetrators returned and ordered two of the boys to give them their shoes.
The children also told their parents one of the robbers flashed a gun, though it’s important to note that no weapon was mentioned in the official report made by the Fresno Police.
The incident occurred on the same day Fresno Police announced a 7% drop in robbery over the past year.
“We definitely don’t want our community to be worried or concerned. And I think our statistics back that our crime is down,” said Fresno Police Sergeant Diana Trueba Vega.
Officers have issued a reminder to shoppers, Sergeant Vega saying, “We encourage them to be aware of their surroundings at all times. If you’re out at a shopping center, try to be out with people. Try not to be alone, especially during darkness.”
River Park, also issuing a statement Tuesday night, wrote in part:
“Security remains the top priority at River Park, and as we begin the new year, it is a reminder for us all to stay vigilant and aware of our surroundings.”
Copyright © 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.