Stockton police were seeking a pair of suspects Monday wanted for stealing necklaces from an eighth-grade boy and a family member who were attending a middle school promotion ceremony.
Police say the boy and two other males, ages 16 and 31, were confronted about 10:30 a.m. Friday as they walked near Wagner Heights Road and Branstetter Place. The robbers displayed a gun and demanded the necklaces from the man and the 13-year-old. The 16-year-old did not have any jewelry to hand over.
Officers described the necklaces as gold chains, but Stockton City Councilmember Michele Padilla, in a social media post on the incident, said at least one of the items was a “money lei” – a necklace made of currency to celebrate the occasion.
Although the site of the promotion ceremony was not named, the theft took place about a block from Delta Sierra Middle School.
“Today, during what should’ve been a proud and joyful moment — an 8th grade graduation in our district — a student and their family were held at gunpoint for the money leis around their neck,” Padilla wrote. “Let that sink in: an innocent child, celebrating a major milestone, victimized by senseless criminal behavior. This is unacceptable.”
She said the city’s youth should feel safe, “especially on one of the most memorable days of their lives.”
Police said they are tracking down leads, but urged anyone with information to call Stockton Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600.