Third Suspect Arrested for Brutal 2019 Attack on Elderly Men in SF Chinatown

The last of three suspects responsible for assaulting and robbing two elderly men in San Francisco’s Chinatown last year is now in police custody.

Christopher Jefferson, 22, was arrested on April 1 and was later put behind bars, the San Francisco Police Department announced on Wednesday.

Christopher Jefferson. Image via San Francisco Police Department

Jefferson faces charges for his alleged involvement in the vicious attack against Hong Chang Huang and Walter Wong, leaders of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, on July 15, 2019.

The attack, which happened in broad daylight, occurred at the corner of Stockton and Pacific Avenue. It left both men with injuries — and Wong unconscious.

Images of the suspects captured on surveillance cameras. Image via San Francisco Police Department

Authorities retrieved images of the suspects from surveillance cameras that captured their whereabouts before the attack.

Additionally, CCTV cameras reportedly captured Huang being punched and knocked to the ground after attempting to rescue Wong, who was robbed of a Rolex watch.

“A couple of fellows behind me lifted me up and threw me to the ground,” Wong told KTVU. “At that time I was unconscious.”

Police arrested Dashawn Pierson, 19, as the first suspect back in October. The second suspect, Akeem Smith, was arrested this January.

Dashawn Pierson. Image via San Francisco Police Department

This incident was eighth in a series of violent attacks that targeted San Francisco’s Chinatown community last year. Shortly after, more than 200 community leaders and city officials gathered to address and manage the situation.

Mayor London Breed visited Chinatown a week after the attack to assure residents that the local government is doing its best to protect the people.

Akeem Smith. Image via San Francisco Police Department

Jefferson is currently booked at the San Francisco County Jail on charges of robbery, assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, aggravated battery causing serious bodily injury and elder abuse, according to KPIX 5 News.

While all three suspects have been arrested, the case remains an open investigation. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call the SFPD 24-hour tip line at 1-415-575-4444, or Text a Tip to TIP411 beginning the text message with SFPD.

Feature Images via KTVU (left), San Francisco Police Department (right)

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