Suspect held to answer on all charges and allegations and will face trial for elder abuse and assault charges.
San Francisco, CA – Today, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that Steven Briar (47) will stand for trial on elder abuse and assault charges brought by her office. Briar has been charged with multiple felonies for the alleged attack of a 78-year-old woman in the Mission District. Briar is alleged to have kicked the victim’s cane out from under her while she was walking to work. The victim fell on her face and ended up with a laceration on her head thar required three stitches to close. Briar is charged with elder abuse (PC 368 (b)(1)), assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury, (PC 245(a)(4)), battery with serious bodily injury (PC 243(d)). Briar is also charged with misdemeanor resisting arrest (PC 148 (a)(1)).
“Attacks on elderly and vulnerable people are completely unacceptable,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “Everyone should be able to walk around freely without fear of being attacked while going to work, especially our seniors. We will seek justice for this victim and ensure that there are consequences in this case.”
Mr. Briar has been in custody since his arrest on February 10, 2023. He was arraigned on February 17, 2023, and had his preliminary hearing on March 2, 2023. At the preliminary hearing he was held to answer on all counts and allegations. The court also granted the People’s detention motion. Mr. Briar’s next court date is March 16, 2023, for arraignment on the Information. He faces up to 21 years in State Prison if convicted of all charges and all allegations are found to be true.
Prosecution of this case will be handled by the Vulnerable Victims Unit established by District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. The Vulnerable Victims Unit oversees prosecutions of crimes perpetrated against vulnerable victims, which includes victims of hate crimes and most cases involving victims of physical or financial abuse over the age of 65.
Although, charges have been filed, this remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the San Francisco Police Department Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.
Court Number: 23002111
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