By Victoria Hsieh. Bay City News.
A man suspected of assault with a deadly weapon and elder abuse will now face hate crime charges against the AAPI community, according to the San Francisco District Attorney's Office.
Armando Sanchez Vazquez, 30, is suspected of assaulting three Asian-American men, one of whom is 73, in Dolores Park on January 30. During the assault, Sanchez Vazquez allegedly threw a brick and metal grate at the men.
The criminal complaint alleges that the individuals were targeted because of their race.
Vazquez is currently in custody.
He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Feb. 1. His next court date is set for Feb. 15, for a preliminary hearing.
If Vazquez is found guilty, he could be sentenced to 10 years in prison.
“I take the concerns of our AAPI community, especially our seniors, seriously, and I want them and all of San Francisco to know that there will be accountability and consequences for people who choose to engage in hate and violence,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.
This publication was supported in whole or part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
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