Armando Sanchez Vazuquez is charged with assault with a deadly weapon and elder abuse while making racist comments.
San Francisco, CA – Today, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that charges have been filed against Armando Sanchez Vazuquez (30) in connection to an alleged hate motivated attack on three Asian American individuals, including one 73-year-old victim, in Dolores Park on January 30, 2023. Sanchez Vazuquez is charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of elder abuse. The criminal complaint also alleges that hate crimes were committed and the victims were targeted because of their race. During the attack, Sanchez Vazuquez allegedly threw a brick and metal grate at the victims.
“No one should face discrimination or violence because of who they are,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “While hate crimes reported against the Asian American community were down from 2021, we must remain vigilant and send the strongest possible message that hate, and violence will never be tolerated in San Francisco. I am taking the concerns of our AAPI community, especially our elders, to heart and 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.”
Sanchez Vazuquez has been in custody since his arrest on January 30, 2023. Prosecutors sought pre-trial detention in this case because of the public safety risk he poses. He was arraigned Wednesday, February 1, 2023. At the arraignment he entered a plea of not guilty. His next court date is set for February 15, 2023, for preliminary hearing and detention motion ruling. If convicted of all charges, Sanchez Vazuquez faces up to 10 years in state prison.
Prosecution of this case will be handled by the new Vulnerable Victims Unit established by District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. The Vulnerable Victims Unit oversees prosecutions of crimes perpetrated against vulnerable victims and houses prosecutions of hate crimes, cases of violence against the elderly and elder financial abuse.
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: 23001501
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