Oakland police arrest alleged suspect accused of beating, robbing elderly Asian woman in viral video

UPDATE: The suspect has been identified as 31-year-old Clarence Esteen III. He is a repeat offender who was released from prison 11 days prior to the attack, authorities said.

Oakland police arrested the suspect who allegedly robbed and assaulted two Asian women in an unprovoked attack on Friday. The shocking incident was captured on video surveillance footage. Police have not yet publicly released the identity of the black male suspect, but confirmed he has been taken into custody.

This comes amid an increase in violent robberies targeting elderly Asians in the Bay Area, with at least 13 reported attacks occurring near an Oakland senior living facility within the past couple of weeks. However, officials at the facility said the number of attacks is much higher, but victims have been too afraid to report the incidents out of fear and shame.

The suspect apprehended by Oakland police on Friday allegedly approached the elderly Asian woman as she walked down the street and punched her in the head, knocking her to the ground. A younger Asian woman attempted to intervene but was also assaulted by the suspect. The suspect returned to beat the elderly Asian victim. He robbed her and then fled the scene, according to video surveillance footage. The Oakland Police Department announced on Monday that officers took the suspect into custody but need help identifying the victims who were attacked.

"OPD needs help identifying the victims involved in this assault and robbery around 6:30p on 7/5/24 in the 5500 block of San Pablo Ave. Officers were dispatched to the 5600 block of San Pablo Ave. where the suspect was taken into custody," the department wrote on X.

This most recent arrest follows a string of violent attacks and robberies on elderly Asians residing at the Westlake Christian Terrace senior living facility, resulting in broken bones and emergency room visits. Oakland police conducted a sting operation last week and took several key suspects into custody, however, the attacks are still occurring.

OPD encouraged senior citizens to walk in groups only during the daytime to thwart the attackers. The department asked the victims who had been afraid to file official reports to file them so officers could make additional arrests.