California’s Chinatown on edge after robberies, assaults on elderly during COVID lockdowns
Oakland’s Chinatown has been experiencing an uptick in robberies and assaults on residents — together with elderly individuals — in current months, in line with a number of studies and the police.
The Oakland Police Department stated it’s allocating extra assets and patrols to Chinatown forward of Lunar New Year on Friday amid a “recent surge in violent assaults” over the previous couple of months.
Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley on Monday introduced prices towards 28-year-old Yahya Muslim in reference to an assault on three individuals — together with a 91-year-old man — in Oakland late final month, KTVU FOX 2 reported.
Video surveillance launched by police exhibits a suspect assaulting the person, in addition to two individuals ages 55 and 60, within the 800 block of Harrison Street on Jan. 31.
In the primary assault, the 91-year-old man could be seen strolling down the road when a suspect comes up from behind and aggressively shoves him to the bottom. The man was transported to an area hospital by ambulance and handled acquired medical consideration for his accidents.
Police stated the suspect later approached a 60-year-old man and 55-year-old lady on the identical avenue and pushed them from behind as they have been strolling. The lady misplaced consciousness and the person suffered accidents. Both acquired medical consideration at an area hospital.
Muslim was arrested final week and is at the moment in custody on the Santa Rita Jail, KRON 4 reported.
Police additionally stated they’ve a video exhibiting one other male suspect — recognized as Deveion Lamont Byrd — robbing an 80-year-old lady of $200 and operating away. Byrd can also be the prime suspect in a string of different robberies at completely different companies within the space, police stated.
Another video from a current assault exhibits a lady – described as a 70-year-old “grandma” – being robbed whereas coming residence from the financial institution.
The assaults comply with a common sample of violence being dedicated towards Asians – each residents and retailers – in Oakland’s Chinatown. The surge has led residents to name on native leaders and police to do extra to quell the violence.
SAN FRANCISCO, UNIONS REACH TENTATIVE DEAL TOWARD REOPENING PUBLIC SCHOOLS, BUT OFFER NO EXACT DATE
Carl Chan, president of the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, stated during a press convention final week that younger individuals have began carrying weapons for his or her security.
“So they’re also hurting people before they’re being robbed,” Chan stated.
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf denounced the “intentional targeting” of Asian retailers and residents as “abhorrent.”
“We will do everything within our power and resources to put an end to it,” she stated.
Newly sworn-in Oakland Police Chief Leronne Armstrong known as the escalation of violence in Oakland “unacceptable.”
“Today, we’re sending a message to those who commit crimes in this city, that we will pursue you, and we will arrest you,” Armstrong stated on Monday.
Despite the surge in crime, Oakland metropolis leaders have for months known as for defunding the police — a mantra that unfold to main metropolitan areas nationwide final summer season after the police custody dying of George Floyd.
In December, the division made cuts that eradicated particulars that put additional officers in excessive crime areas, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
Barry Donelan, president of the Oakland Police Officers’ Association has blamed the City Council’s “defund the police” technique on town’s accelerated violent crime charge.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
According to a report from Bay City News, Oakland recorded 15 homicides final month — the best variety of killings recorded in January in 20 years.
