Fundraiser Surpasses Goal For Bay Area Officer Struck In Head With Skateboard

BAY AREA, CA – A South San Francisco police officer remains hospitalized in critical condition after he was struck in the head with a skateboard last week, according to police. However, doctors treating Officer Robby Chon remain optimistic and say he is showing signs of recovery, police said.

A fundraiser launched by fellow law enforcement, meanwhile, has surpassed it $100,000 goal, with $113,841 donated as of this morning.

"We all expect to go home after a day at work knowing our kids are waiting for us, instead Officer Chon remains in critical care in ICU" wrote the GoFundMe organizer Chris Swinney, a San Mateo County deputy sheriff and former police academy mate of Chon's.

Chon, a 12-year veteran of the force, was attacked at around 2:20 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day while responding to a report of a man acting irate toward patrons at a business in the 300 block of Grand Avenue, according to
police.

When officers responded, they tried to approach the man who was allegedly causing the disturbance.

The suspect, later identified as 28-year-old South San Francisco resident Luis Alberto Ramos-Coreas, refused to comply with the officers' requests. When additional officers arrived, Ramos-Coreas fled on a skateboard, police said.

When Chon began chasing the suspect, Ramos-Coreas stopped, turned and struck Chon in the head with the skateboard. Chon was knocked unconscious and suffered major head injuries, according to police.

Ramos-Coreas continued running afterward but officers were able to apprehend him. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, resisting arrest and battery on a peace officer, police said.

According to police, Chon's family, as well as the South San Francisco Police Department, are extremely grateful for the support and prayers they've received from the community.

A vigil was scheduled Monday night at the South San Francisco Police Department to show support for Chon, according to the GoFundMe "Help SSFPD Officer Chon & his Family" campaign underway to raise funds to help offset any medical costs or unexpected bills to Chon's family.

Follow this link to the fundraising effort. For those interested in contributing, but not wishing to do so online, can mail donations to: Sgt. Sean Curmi (care of Robby Chon), South San Francisco Police Association, 33 Arroyo Drive, South San Francisco, CA 94080.

• ALSO SEE: 3 Dead, 5 Ill After Thanksgiving Dinner Hosted By Bay Area Non-Profit

--Bay City News contributed to this report/ Photo courtesy of GoFundMe