Sunnyvale Public Safety Officers have arrested Jesse Fausto Correa, 29 for the commission of a hate crime, along with robbery, battery and elderly abuse.
On Dec. 4, just before 11 a.m., Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers arrived at 834 Lakechime Drive (Lakewood Park) after a report of an argument. Officers at the scene determined that Correa attacked an elderly Asian man. According to officers, the man was exercising in the park when Correa confronted him and began telling the elderly man to “go back to your country” and “keep walking.” Things then became physical.
DPS officers say Correa punched the victim approximately six times in the face while yelling, “go back to your country!” During the attack, the victim dropped his cellphone. DPS officers say Correa grabbed the phone and then ran away on foot. Responding officers found Correa nearby and arrested him. They say he was “initially non-compliant” but was later taken into custody without incident.
The elderly man was injured but did not require medical attention. There were several witnesses in the park at the time and they are cooperating with the investigation.
Correa was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County Jail and charged with robbery, battery, felonious elder abuse and commission of a hate crime.
“Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety is firmly committed to safeguarding the rights of all persons to be free of fear, intimidation, and acts of violence. Hate is abhorrent. It has no place in a civil society and will not be tolerated. We will do everything we can to support our victim and hold the suspect accountable,” said Phan S. Ngo, Chief of Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety.
Anyone with additional information about this investigation is encouraged to contact the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety at (408)730-7110. You can also submit an anonymous tip through Nixle as well as find the latest updates on this case.
The attack comes just a few weeks after Sunnyvale city and community leaders came together in a Solidarity Vigil Against Hate.
This is a very tragic commentary on what American culture has been reduced to. Why does this occur, and how can it be stopped?