"Fremont Family's Thanksgiving Tragedy - Car Theft with Newborn Treasures"
Discovery of the Theft
On Thanksgiving morning, 22-year-old Benjamin Willis found out that his 2014 Chrysler 300 had been stolen. It happened the evening before Thanksgiving, as captured by a neighbor's security camera. The footage showed that it occurred one or two hours after he parked the car on Viento Drive off Mission Boulevard in Fremont. Unfortunately, the video was too blurry to identify any suspects. Willis had prepared well in advance, with a brand new baby stroller, car seat, and diaper bag ready to take to the hospital as his baby girl was due a week ago.He also had cash gifts from family members and unwrapped Christmas presents for the family inside the car. This loss was a significant blow as it represented a lot of hard work and the love of his family and friends.
Willis and his fiancé, 21-year-old Arcelia Villa, are currently staying with her parents at their nearby apartment. His car was his only means of transportation, crucial for taking his fiancé to doctor's appointments and for his work as a contract construction or landscaping worker. However, job opportunities have been inconsistent.
The Impact on the Family
"This is a major loss. That car was meant for our family, to take care of each other," Willis said. "I really didn't have much before, and that was one of the things I did have. Now, work has been slow for me as well."The family is now trying to process the great joy of having a healthy baby while also dealing with the pain of the stolen items. Despite the setback, they are thankful that Ariella is safe and healthy.
Benjamin said his fiancé is expected to be discharged from the hospital on Monday evening. In the meantime, Willis' mom Evelyn created a GoFundMe page to help them replace the stolen items and get back on their feet.
Local Crime Statistics
Willis believes that the area is not typically known for car burglaries. He added that Fremont Police informed him that there have been 40 such thefts in the city this month. This information has added to the family's sense of shock and frustration.They are now hoping that through the support of the community and the funds raised through the GoFundMe page, they can begin to rebuild and move past this difficult time.