EXCLUSIVE: At least 13 seniors in Oakland were robbed or attacked in their neighborhood within a week

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) – Thirteen seniors reported being brutally attacked and robbed in just one week at an Oakland community. But according to the leaders of a senior living facility in the city, the number is much higher, at a staggering 30.

There are numerous horror stories from residents of Westlake Christian Terrace who have been attacked in recent days.

“It was happening every hour on the hour,” said Sister Marie Taylor, president of the Westlake Christian Terrace residents’ council. She says she counted nearly 30 violent attacks and robberies on elderly Asian residents in less than a week.

“They not only grabbed her handbag, but also beat her brutally. Several people had to be taken to the emergency room, one broke his wrist. The police were here for almost seven hours and filed a report. On Sunday it continued. Several residents were attacked.”

Located on the block of 28th Street north of Lake Merritt, the assisted living facility is home to more than 700 seniors with an average age of 85. Many walk along nearby Valdez to go to the grocery store or run errands.

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Ling Shang recalls that one of Saturday’s victims suffers from Alzheimer’s and couldn’t fully understand what was happening when she was attacked.

“This is disgusting,” she says.

Because of these crimes, more than 50 residents gathered on Wednesday to show each other their support and tell the city: Enough is enough.

“This is a serious matter and must be addressed with the utmost severity,” says Sister Marie.

Oakland police told ABC7 they made several key arrests, thanks in part to the large number of people reporting their crimes, but they are encouraging even more people to come forward.

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Lisa Ausmus, Captain of the Oakland Police Department and Command Area, was alerted to the crimes by Sister Marie and quickly rushed to help.

“The coverage… that really made the difference. On Monday, I sent out my special unit and my crime prevention teams to conduct operations. I haven’t had a single robbery in this area for two days, which is huge.”

While residents here say their recent interactions with Oakland police have given them courage, they are still afraid.

Caregiver Kitty Pang said she was helping residents on Sunday when she was groped, beaten and robbed. She pulled up her trouser leg to show a large bruise on her shin and pointed to another injury on her thigh.

“I’m very scared and very excited… I can’t sleep at night, I’m scared,” she said in a trembling voice.

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However, residents say they are NOT afraid to unite with one another… in the fight for their safety. Sister Marie spoke on their behalf, saying, “We are here, we pay taxes, we vote, and we need to be recognized.”

Oakland police said there was an increase in robberies citywide between June 25 and July 1, to 83. However, they said there was no particular reason for this. Older people are being asked to go out in larger groups and only during the day.

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