Habitat for Humanity Crew Robbed at Gunpoint Days Before Jimmy Carter Visit

Police say a group of workers were robbed at gunpoint at an Oakland Habitat for Humanity construction site that former President Jimmy Carter is scheduled to tour next week.

The Oakland Tribune reports that eight Habitat staff members and AmeriCorps workers were robbed of their cell phones and wallets Tuesday at the Brookfield Court development, just off Interstate 880.

Police say a man was also shot at and pistol-whipped. He refused medical attention.

Habitat spokeswoman Krysta Morgenthaler says four men robbed the workers where 12 townhomes are currently under construction. Another dozen workers were not robbed.

"It's unfortunate," Morgenthaler said. "We're all pretty shook up."

No arrests have been made.

Carter

It's the first time Habitat for Humanity volunteers have been robbed at a construction site, according to the non-profit.

The robbery comes less than a week before Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter are scheduled to visit Oakland and San Jose as part of a weeklong campaign highlighting Habitat for Humanity's home-building projects.

NBC Bay Area's Jean Elle contributed to this report.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us