San Francisco police have announced suspects aged 11, 13 and 18 were arrested in the brutal assault and robbery of a 70-year-old Asian American woman on July 31.
SFPD is also trying to find a 14-year-old they say was involved with the attack. The 11-year-old will not be charged because of their young age.
Investigators secured warrants for 18-year-old Darryl Moore and the two teenagers on charges of robbery, elder abuse, false imprisonment and conspiracy. Moore is now in custody.
No hate crime charges have been filed.
The victim—identified in news reports as Mrs. Ren, a 70-year-old Asian woman—was attacked inside of her apartment complex by the four suspects and robbed of her iPhone, according to ABC7.
Police Chief Bill Scott told an Aug. 15. press conference that the incident was “another senseless and heinous act of violence” against the Asian American community.
“Although we made multiple arrests, our goal is always to stop and address crime before it happens,” said Scott. He added that the police department has increased patrols in high crime areas and hot spots to strengthen the cooperation with nonprofits.
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins expressed shock at the incident during the Chinatown press event.
“What is going on in our society?” Jenkins said.
Her office will handle the prosecution once the cases are presented.
Moore will be charged as an adult while the teenagers will be prosecuted through the juvenile system.
Many in the Asian community have expressed concerns over public safety, with victims feeling as though they are being targeted because of their race.
“The investigation still goes on,” said Scott. “Evidence oftentimes is uncovered after the arrest.”