A Hayward man has been charged with attempted murder in connection with a series of unprovoked stabbings in Downtown San Francisco on Oct. 1, prosecutors announced Friday.
Effrim Baker, 60, pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempted murder along with multiple other felonies at his arraignment on Friday. He faces more than 46 years in prison if convicted.
Baker is accused of attacking four people without provocation along Market Street between Battery and Fourth streets over a 40-minute period, according to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. The victims included an 86-year-old man.
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said, the “violence of this magnitude takes a toll on communities and our city at large.” She thanked police for making a speedy arrest.
According to court documents, Baker stabbed the victims with a deadly weapon, causing serious injuries. He is also charged with robbery, mayhem and elder abuse.
Prosecutors say Baker was on parole at the time of the attacks. He is being held without bail and will return to court Oct. 13.
The attacks came amid a wave of high-profile crimes in San Francisco that have put pressure on local leaders and law enforcement to address public safety concerns.