83-year-old Asian man says drug dealer came to his aid after SF attack
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- As police make an arrest in the attacks on two Asian seniors along Market Street and 7th in San Francisco, an 83-year old victim of a similar crime is speaking out about his horrifying ordeal.
Steadily balancing with the use of a cane, Gordon Pang recalls the moment the morning of Valentine's Day when he was suddenly knocked to the ground in the Tenderloin.
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"I knew I was in trouble because (the perpetrator) stared at me with a look. He came across (the street) very quickly and pushed me and I fell backward," said Pang.
Debilitated and on the ground, Pang broke his hip in multiple places and was in extreme pain.
"The street people helped me. They were so kind, I couldn't believe it. A drug dealer gave me a cane and he said 'you should have it,'" said Pang.
The 83-year-old spent nearly a month in the hospital and then rehab.
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"Horrible experience and I don't wish this to happen to anybody," said Pang.
VIDEO: Asian American victim considers moving out of state after brutal attack in SF
Sadly similar incidents have happened in recent weeks across the Bay Area. Last week, an 83-year old Vietnamese man's son named Kiet sent ABC7 News anchor Dion Lim photos of his father after he was brutally knocked to the ground Wednesday morning. A 77-year old woman also was attacked in a similar fashion around the same time. Unlike Pang, Kiet's father fell forward and his neck is now broken in several places. SFPD arrested Steven Jenkins for assault and elder abuse in both cases.
The man arrested in Pang's case, Haskell Allen was quickly apprehended as well but according to documents he has a long felony record. Including at least four cases of burglary, and assault with a deadly weapon.
ABC7 News shared this news with Pang.
"Oh my God. I just wish they'd keep him in jail for a period of time," said Pang.
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While he doesn't know the solution to ending this epidemic of assaults on Asian American seniors, Pang shares these words with everybody who now knows his story.
"I just want to say be careful of your surroundings. It could happen to you," said Pang.
A GoFundMe for the 83-year old man, Ngoc Pham who was assaulted at Market and 7th has been set up by the nonprofit Community Youth Center of San Francisco. Go here if you would like to help and make a donation.
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