SAN FRANCISCO—The San Francisco Police Department released surveillance footage of an assault that transpired last weekend near Lafayette Park and is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.
The victim, a 52-year-old woman, who has not yet been identified was punched repeatedly in an unprovoked attack near the intersection of Washington and Laguna Streets on Saturday, August 20 at approximately 7:45 p.m.
The suspect stopped the victim on the 2000 block of Washington Street. A surveillance video released by the SFPD on Wednesday, August 24, sequences the events that follow.
The footage shows the victim walking into frame while simultaneously looking over her right shoulder; then, the suspect is seen jogging up behind her and tapping her on the shoulder—before knocking her to the ground and punching her in the face several times.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9e_d2ES0gw
The victim is seen covering her face to shield the blows, while the suspect tries to pry her hands away. The assault goes on for approximately 30 seconds before the suspect stops striking the victim. He proceeds to hold her down with a knee in her back for several moments before finally standing up and walking away.
The victim did not know or speak to the suspect, nor did he still anything from her; however, she recalls him saying, “You should say you’re sorry,” SFPD spokesperson Officer Giselle Talkoff told San Francisco News.
The victim suffered a broken nose in several places and will require surgery, according to police.
The suspect fled east on Washington Street before heading south on Gough Street. Law enforcement officials believe he may have potentially been under the influence or mentally ill.
Police have described the suspect as a white male, possibly homeless, approximately 40 to 50 years old, with brown hair, an average build and wearing a dark zip-up sweater/sweatshirt and jeans.
The San Francisco Police Department have been unable to find any witnesses and are asking anyone with information to come forth and contact SFPD Officer Carlos Manfredi at (415) 837-7195.
