Video Captures Attempted Robbery, Assault In San Francisco's Chinatown
SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) -- San Francisco police are searching for the suspects in a violent attempted robbery and assault that happened in Chinatown on Saturday evening.
New video of the incident surfaced on Sunday; it shows a pair of suspects approaching a large group to attack at least three people, knocking them to the ground with forceful strikes.
The victims were all males in their 60s. The incident happened around 9 p.m. Saturday night near the intersection of Clay Street and Walter U. Lum Place, San Francisco police said.
Police said after the suspects' failed robbery attempt and the subsequent assault, they fled the scene in a dark-colored SUV.
"I have every confidence that they will apprehend someone of the three or four suspects in this case and they will be made to face the consequences," said San Francisco supervisor Aaron Peskin.
Two of the victims were taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Another victim was treated at the scene.
"We want people to be able to come here and patronize," said Captain Robert Yick. "It's unfortunate that this incident occurred last night. I know that there were people that got involved, I commend their efforts, I do want to also relay that please be cautious and aware of actions that you take."
"I have to tell you that I'm shocked because I thought the one place that's pretty safe is Chinatown," said Andie Loutman, who's lived in the area for 10 years.
Police said they are investigating another possibly related incident that happened on Jackson Street, which is two blocks away. Investigators say the same getaway vehicle was used. The suspects remain at large.
On Monday, KPIX 5 spoke with District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who represents Chinatown and North Beach.
"This is the living room to one of the densest communities. People here live in very small rooms. This is their living room. This is the highest concentration of elderly people in San Francisco," said Peskin. "They should be able to come down here, be safe, hang out with their friends and community -- which is why you can tell, I'm really quite upset by this."
Peskin also said he had a message for anyone looking to come to his district to commit crimes against tourists or locals: "Don't think about it. We will find you, we will arrest you and you will be prosecuted."
SFPD says it has increased late night patrols in the area as a response to recent robberies and a string of crimes against Chinese victims. In October, police arrested 19-year-old Dashawn Pierson of Oakland as one of three suspects accused of attacking two men in a strong arm robbery in July.
