'Hard to watch': Video shows brazen, ambush-style attack on older Asian man inside SF laundromat

According to SFPD documents, the three attackers may also be tied to multiple auto burglaries. There is a $2,500 reward being offered for information leading to an arrest.

ByDion Lim KGO logo

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Older Asian man robbed in SF laundromat ambush-style attack

Just days after new safety efforts were launched in San Francisco's Chinatown, video is surfacing of a shocking attack targeting an older man in a laundromat on the Nob Hill/Chinatown border.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Just days after new safety efforts were launched in San Francisco's Chinatown, video is surfacing of a shocking attack targeting an older man in a laundromat on the Nob Hill/Chinatown border.

Surveillance video shows the terrifying moments a 67-year-old customer is attacked by three people in a laundromat around 10 p.m. on Feb. 23.

FULL VIDEO: Surveillance video shows attack on older Asian man in SF laundromat

'He looks so scared:' The man is ambushed, dragged to the ground and robbed of several hundred dollars, all in a matter of about 45 seconds. There's a reward being offered for information leading to an arrest.

"Oh my God, he looks so scared...it's horrible and so concerning," says a nearby business owner, who watched surveillance video from that night.

The man is ambushed, dragged to the ground and robbed of several hundred dollars -- all in a matter of about 45 seconds.

"It's so hard to watch...an old man shoved down like that is so helpless," says the woman, who is equally shocked as several other citizens in the area.

This attack comes shortly after increased patrols in San Francisco's Chinatown on the heels of a number of attacks in Oakland's Chinatown.

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There is outrage over San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin's description of the man police say pushed over and killed an 84-year-old in San Francisco.

On Feb. 18, SFPD community liaison members handed out fliers to raise awareness in Chinese communities, and San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin touted extra visibility on the streets.

Since then, the effort hasn't let up.

Officer Robert Rueca, Public Information Officer for SFPD, spoke of the newly-appointed Central Station captain's effort to include an increased effort of patrols and "ability to respond to the community's needs."

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Oakland's newest police chief announced Monday that an arrest has been made after a 91-year-old man was violently shoved in Chinatown.

Rueca encouraged, despite the efforts by law enforcement, which include Chinese language reporting hotlines, neighbors must remain diligent.

According to SFPD documents, the three attackers may also be tied to multiple auto burglaries.

The San Francisco Police Officer's Association union is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest.

"These random acts of violence targeting our Asian community members are no accident and they must end. The SFPOA stands with our Asian community and all San Franciscans in wanting these perpetrators to be caught and held accountable," says Tony Montoya of the SFPOA.

SFPD continues to ask the community to be on alert in order to stay safe and encourage those who are witnesses to a crime or part of one to call 415-558-5588, which will provide Cantonese and Mandarin translation.

VIDEO: Elderly Asian man attacked, humiliated while collecting cans in San Francisco neighborhood