Police arrest suspects in brutal robbery, beating of at least 13 Asian seniors in Oakland over just one week

Several suspects have been arrested after at least thirteen Asian senior citizens were brutally attacked or robbed at a senior living facility in Oakland in less than one week, resulting in broken bones and emergency room visits. Leaders at the facility said the number of attacks is closer to 30, but some elderly victims did not want to report out of fear and shame.

Among the victims was an Alzheimer's patient who was unable to grasp what was happening when she was being badly beaten, ABC 7 reports. "It was happening every hour on the hour," said Sister Marie Taylor, president of the Westlake Christian Terrace resident council. Taylor said she documented nearly 30 violent attacks and robberies on elderly Asian residents in less than a week.

"Not only do you grab their purse but you beat them brutally. We had several who had to be taken to the emergency, one broke their wrist. We had police here almost 7 hours filing reports," Tayor added. "Then it continued on Sunday with more, multiple residents being attacked."

Oakland Police said officers conducted a sting operation near the facility and made several key arrests thanks to the victims who filed reports. The department encouraged more victims to come forward. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the suspects.

The senior living facility is located north of Lake Merritt on 28th Street and houses more than 700 residents, of which the average age is 85. "This is serious and needs to be addressed most aggressively," said Taylor.

"Reporting, that's what really made a difference," said Lisa Ausmus, Captain for the Oakland Police Department and Commands Area. "On Monday, sent my special resource section out - my crime reduction teams - to conduct operations. I haven't had any robberies in two days in that area, which is huge."

Residents said they are encouraged by the effort from police but are still afraid. About 50 senior citizens rallied on Wednesday to tell the city of Oakland they were done with the violent crime.

Taylor spoke on their behalf and said: "We are here, we are paying taxes, we vote, and we need to be recognized."

According to Oakland Police, there was a significant increase in robberies throughout the city, with 83 incidents occurring between July 25 and July 1. They said there was no specific cause for the surge. Elderly people are encouraged to walk in larger groups only during the daytime.