A Florida family withdrew their teen from Lincoln University in Oakland, CA, after their rental car was broken into, losing $3,000 in cash and crucial documents during a meal break.

Rhomel Crossman and his family had traveled from Coconut Creek, FL, to Oakland to enroll him at Lincoln University, where he had committed to play football. However, the family's plans were derailed when their rented Nissan Rogue was broken into near the campus, resulting in the theft of $3,000 in cash along with essential documents like passports and a high school diploma. The incident has raised concerns about safety in the area, despite city officials claiming a decline in overall crime rates.

The Crossman family, excited about Rhomel's future, flew into Oakland late last week. Rhomel Crossman had committed to playing football as a defensive tackle at Lincoln University. However, their trip ended abruptly after their rental car was broken into and valuables were stolen.

After a long day of finalizing registration and settling administrative details, the family decided to get some food from a nearby Jamaican restaurant. They parked their rented white Nissan Rogue a block from the university campus, not anticipating any problems.

However, upon returning to their vehicle, they discovered that it had been broken into. The smashed window was a clear sign of the thievery that had occurred. Missing from the car were several high-value items and important documents including $3,000 in cash, passports, social security cards, Rhomel’s high school diploma, a birth certificate, and a sleep apnea machine.

Witnesses in the vicinity reported seeing masked men operating a vehicle with no license plate. These individuals were allegedly seen breaking into the Crossman’s rented Nissan Rogue. Despite these witness accounts, the family faced difficulties when they tried to involve law enforcement.

The Crossmans made several calls to the police, seeking immediate assistance. However, they were instructed to file a report at the police station instead of receiving on-site help. This response added to the family's distress, raising questions about local police response protocols.

One of the stolen items, the sleep apnea machine, is particularly critical as it is necessary for Rhomel's health. The loss of essential documents such as passports and social security cards also poses significant logistical and security concerns. The family voiced their disappointment and frustration over the experience, stating that it has affected their perception of safety in the area.

Despite Oakland city officials reporting a decrease in overall crime compared to the previous year, some local organizations argue that the data on crime reduction may not fully capture the community's day-to-day experiences.

Safety warnings and tips for new students are not uncommon at universities, particularly in urban settings. UC Berkeley, for example, advises students not to leave belongings in their cars and educates them on safety practices during orientation sessions. These precautionary measures are intended to help mitigate the risks of theft and other criminal activities.

Given the incident and the perceived lack of immediate support from local authorities, the Crossman family made the difficult decision to withdraw Rhomel from Lincoln University. The risk to personal safety and the high-value loss were too significant to ignore, especially as their primary purpose in Oakland was to ensure a safe and positive start to Rhomel's college career.

The Crossman family has since returned to Coconut Creek, FL. They are focused on resolving the issues stemming from the theft, such as replacing the essential documents and addressing the financial loss incurred. Their experience serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that can accompany urban living.