Man Faces Homicide Charge In Death Of Bay Area Asian Man

OAKLAND, CA — A man was arrested this week in connection to the robbery and deadly assault of a 75-year-old Oakland man, officials said.

Multiple felony charges, included murder, were filed against 26-year-old Teaunte Bailey, who officials said has a history of victimizing elderly Asian people, according to a statement from the Oakland Police Department.

Oakland resident Pak Ho, 75, was reportedly taking his regular morning walk through his Adams Point neighborhood around 7 a.m. Tuesday when he was approached by a man, according to the Alameda County District Attorney's office.

In the man's attempt to rob Ho, the elderly man was shoved to the ground, resulting in head injuries, police said. Ho was later taken to a local hospital but he died of his injuries on Thursday, Alameda County officials said.

When police found the suspect, later identified as Bailey, he reportedly led police on a reckless car chase through the busy streets of Oakland.

The news comes as more cases of violence and hate crimes against Asian Americans have been on the rise in recent weeks.

"I’m at a loss for words," Oakland Police Chief LeRonne L. Armstrong said in a statement. "Our elders should be protected not the victim of a deadly assault. I am thankful that our officers were able to quickly respond and arrest Mr. Bailey. The Oakland Police Department will relentlessly pursue those that violate the most vulnerable members in our community."

Bailey also faces charges for the suspected robbery and assault of a 72-year-old man on Feb. 19. Officials said the suspect broke into a senior living home and shoved the elderly man down as he took his phone and stole several items from his home, officials reported.

Bailey's cases will be handled by the Alameda DA's Response Team, an initiative launched last week in response to a recent surge in crimes against Asian Americans, officials said.

Bailey was scheduled to be arraigned on Friday.