Asian man hospitalized after ‘violent attack’; one arrested

Strong-arm robbery of elderly resident occurred in Adams Point

OAKLAND >> A 75-year-old Asian man robbed and badly injured in a “violent attack” Tuesday morning in the Adams Point neighborhood remained in extremely critical condition Wednesday, and prosecutors were reviewing the case to determine what formal charges to file against a man arrested as a suspect, officials said.

Police have not named the suspect pending a review of the case by the District Attorney’s Office. The 26-year-old man was arrested Tuesday evening in Oakland and is being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail on suspicion of robbery and other charges

The 75-year-old man, a widower, was taking his daily walk near his home when he was confronted by the suspect near Perkins Street and Jayne Avenue just before 7 a.m. Tuesday. The man was left unconscious on the pavement, and the suspect fled with some items belonging to the man, authorities said.

What the items were has not been disclosed.

Authorities have not said why they believe the victim was targeted. There is nothing to indicate the suspect knew the victim, authorities said.

Police officers and investigators “spent the day collecting evidence related to the crime” and later took the suspect into custody in connection with the crime, police said in a statement Tuesday night.

Police have not said what led them to the suspect.

On Tuesday night, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said in a statement: “This morning’s violent attack against an Asian American elder in our Adams Point neighborhood is reprehensible,” and she alluded to a spate of recent crimes against members of the Asian community in the region.

“Our police will investigate thoroughly to determine whether this was racially motivated or a vile crime of opportunity. Every act of violence traumatizes our community, and I pray for healing to the victim and his family,” Schaaf said.

Oakland Police Chief LeRonne L. Armstrong also condemned the incident.

“I am saddened to hear of yet another violent attack on the elders of our community,” Armstrong said in the police statement.

“The trauma this causes has a ripple effect, on the victim, their family and the entire community,” Armstrong said. “My officers are dedicated to bringing those involved in this senseless crime and all crimes to justice.”

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the incident can contact police at 510-238-3821.

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