Woman’s screams covered during ‘violent’ Civic Center BART cell phone robbery: SFDA

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A 43-year-old man was convicted by a jury for a “violent” cell phone robbery in May 2024 where he followed a woman into the Civic Center BART station, attacked her, and covered her screams as she tried to seek help.

Prosecutors announced Tuesday that Rolondo Christopher Clyburn was convicted of second-degree robbery for the May 8, 2024 incident, according to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. Clyburn remains in custody and awaits sentencing after a bench trial on Nov. 5, “regarding aggravating factors and prior conviction allegations.”

“Mr. Clyburn followed the victim into the BART train station through the United Nations Plaza entrance,” said the San Francisco District Attorney’s office in a press release. “While the victim waited on the platform for her train, Mr. Clyburn took the victim’s phone. Two minutes later, the victim saw Mr. Clyburn and attempted to retrieve her phone. Mr. Clyburn attacked the victim, beating her with punches, kicks, and at one point covering her mouth so that she could not scream for help.”

Clyburn faces up to 15 years in state prison.

“Every single day people depend upon public transit to assist them traveling throughout the Bay Area and have a right to safety in these spaces,” said DA Brooke Jenkins. “My office will continue to work hard to ensure that anyone who commits crime on our buses or train systems is held accountable.”