An arrest has been made in connection to the brutal beating of a beloved elderly grandmother from the Visitacion Valley neighborhood of San Francisco.
Earlier this month, 88-year-old Yik Oi Huang was left in critical condition after being mercilessly beaten by her attacker at a local park. The victim sustained a shattered face along with a broken spine, hand and ribs.
Reacting to news of the arrest, Huang family spokesperson Cynthia Choi stated that the family was relieved since the person who caused harm to their grandmother “could harm another person.”
Huang’s family shared that while the victim remains in critical condition, there are signs that she is improving.
“She’s reacting to family members on their visits, a slight improvement, they’re very hopeful what they are seeing,” Choi said.
GOOD NEWS: 88-year old Great-grandma Huang opened her eyes & smiled for the 1st time since being brutally beaten & was in a coma. Family is “really happy” 😊 #NotMyGrandma pic.twitter.com/y3gjn7Q9iO
— Dion Lim (@DionLimTV) January 20, 2019
According to San Francisco Police, 18-year-old Keonte Gathron was arrested Saturday after committing another robbery in the city. Details of the man’s latest crime were not reported.
Investigators say Gathron beat Huang at the park before breaking into her home across the street in the early morning of January 8, reports ABC7 News.
“I’m glad a suspect was apprehended, this is a heinous crime and doing this to a senior is unheard of,” San Francisco Supervisor Shamann Walton was quoted as saying.
After the violent incident, local authorities assured the community that they’ve increased patrols in the neighborhood.
“Anybody who comes to our community to harm a senior or child, we’re gonna find them,” Walton noted.
Gathron is currently being detained in the San Francisco County Jail.
Despite the arrest, members of the public who might have any information regarding this incident are still encouraged to contact the San Francisco Police Department at 415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.
Featured Image via SFPD (Left) and provided by Sasanna Yee (Right)
