Girl, 8, robbed by woman in San Francisco for bus fare, police say

An 8-year-old girl selling candy in a San Francisco neighborhood was reportedly robbed on the street this week by a woman who was seeking money for bus fare, police said.

The girl and two friends had been selling candy at Divisadero and Eddy streets about 1:45 p.m. Monday when the two friends left the girl alone and entered a nearby convenience store, said San Francisco police Officer Gordon Shyy.

That’s when the woman approached the girl and asked her for bus fare, Shyy said.

She then reportedly grabbed the girl’s arm, twisting it until she dropped a bag containing her candy money. The woman immediately fled the scene and entered a Muni bus, Shyy said.

The girl complained of pain, but wasn’t seriously injured, Shyy added.

Police did not reveal how much money was lost, citing the ongoing investigation.

The convenience store owner released surveillance video that showed the woman trying to buy a can of beer moments before the theft, KTVU-TV reported. But the woman didn’t have enough money to buy the beer, which cost $1.25.

Anyone with information about the robbery was encouraged to call the police at (415) 553-0123. To remain anonymous, call (415) 575-4444.

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