Oakland Crime Wave Shatters Family's College Dreams, Forces Son's Withdrawal

A Florida family faced a horrifying incident in Oakland, California, prompting them to withdraw their son from college amidst the city's rampant crime wave. The shattered windows of their rental car left them disheartened and desperate, encountering indifferent police responses and a lack of support from the university.

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Nerissa Murray Watson and Noel Watson, a Florida-based couple, are reeling from the aftermath of a harrowing experience in Oakland, California, that has shattered their hopes and dreams for their son's college education. After witnessing firsthand the city's rampant crime wave, they made the heart-wrenching decision to pull their son, Rhomel Crossman, out of Lincoln University in the Bay Area.

Oakland Crime Wave Shatters Family's College Dreams, Forces Son's Withdrawal

On a fateful day during Crossman's move-in, the family discovered their rental car windows had been shattered and valuable items stolen. To their dismay, their urgent calls to the police proved futile. "When we called the police, they said they can't come now and we have to come to the station," recalled Watson. "I said, 'Sorry, we don't know where the station is. We just got robbed. We don't know the area. We are afraid, and can you come and help us?' They said no, they can't come."

The family's distress only intensified upon arriving at the station, where they faced a 15-minute wait outside before being allowed entry. Crossman, a recent high school graduate, had eagerly anticipated his new chapter at Lincoln University on a football scholarship. "I was actually excited because I was starting a new chapter in my life, and I was excited because I love playing football," he told Fox News.

Oakland Crime Wave Shatters Family's College Dreams, Forces Son's Withdrawal

However, the incident shattered their trust in the city's safety. Thieves had broken into their vehicle, stealing five suitcases, a bag containing $3,000, personal items including passports, social security cards, and even a sleep apnea machine. The loss and lack of support left Watson wary of sending her son to college in Oakland.

"We are devastated," Watson expressed. "We are very disappointed. We thought we were sending him to a place where he was going to be taken care of."

Oakland Crime Wave Shatters Family's College Dreams, Forces Son's Withdrawal

Lincoln University President Dr. Mikhail Brodsky responded with a statement, acknowledging the incident but downplaying its severity. "Such things happen in Oakland, San Francisco, Bay Area, California, and the U.S. It's not the worst thing, there are many worse ones," he wrote.

However, Watson remains unconvinced, blaming the university's lack of support as a major factor in their decision to withdraw Crossman. "We felt like we were on our own," she said.

Oakland Crime Wave Shatters Family's College Dreams, Forces Son's Withdrawal

The family's ordeal underscores the growing concerns over Oakland's unchecked crime wave, which has left residents feeling increasingly vulnerable. Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong acknowledged the city's struggles, stating, "We are asking for help from our community to work with us, to help us drive down crime."

The Florida family's shattered dreams serve as a stark reminder of the devastating toll that crime can have on individuals and families. They now face the daunting task of piecing together their shattered hopes and finding a new path for Crossman's college education.

Oakland Crime Wave Shatters Family's College Dreams, Forces Son's Withdrawal