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Man convicted in Oakland Chinatown attacks charged in new assault spree
Yahya Muslim, 33, who was convicted in a series of attacks in Oakland's Chinatown, has now been charged with two unprovoked assaults of women in the city's Uptown neighborhood.
OAKLAND, Calif. - A homeless man previously convicted in a series of unprovoked attacks in Oakland's Chinatown, including the violent assault of a 91-year-old man, has been arrested and charged in a new spree of attacks in the Uptown neighborhood, prosecutors said.
Yahya Muslim, 33, is accused of assaulting two elderly Asian women Sunday near Broadway and West Grand Avenue, according to the Alameda County District Attorney's Office.
Muslim is being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. He refused to come to court from his jail cell on Wednesday and Thursday.
Previously convicted in Chinatown attacks
What we know:
Muslim was arrested in 2021 and later sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted in a series of unprovoked attacks in Oakland's Chinatown, including shoving a 91-year-old man to the ground and assaulting another couple.
He served about two years before being released.
His public defender has previously said Muslim has a history of severe mental illness and substance abuse.
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Person of interest identified in Oakland Chinatown attacks
A person of interest has been identified for three shoving attacks in Oakland's Chinatown and has been in custody for an unrelated case of alleged elder abuse.
Residents express renewed fears
What they're saying:
The latest attacks have reignited concerns among Oakland residents.
"They should go back to prison or manner school," said Oakland resident Sophia Stathakos after crossing the street near the scene of Sunday's assaults.
One victim was punched in the head, while the other was pushed to the ground, authorities said.
"It scares me," Stathakos said. "I don't want to be the next victim."
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San Jose man accused in unprovoked attacks on elderly
San Jose police arrested 32-year-old Davit Martinez for a series of unprovoked assaults on strangers, including attacking elderly victims at a gym and a supermarket.
Chinatown leaders call for change
Oakland Chinatown leader Carl Chan said the latest case is deeply troubling.
"When we are hearing cases like this, it is very uncomfortable and also concerning," Chan said.
Chan was himself attacked from behind by a different man with a documented history of mental illness in 2021. After photographing his attacker, police arrested James Ramsey, who was later convicted.
Ramsey has since also been charged with attacking an 88-year-old woman in San Francisco.
"When people are claiming a mental health issues, it's basically becoming a license to kill," Chan said. "This is not something that we want to see day in and day out."
Experts say mental illness remains a challenge
Big picture view:
KTVU legal analyst Michael Cardoza said cases involving mentally ill defendants challenge the criminal justice system.
"He went to prison, served his time, and now he's out on the street doing the same thing," Cardoza said. "Warehousing him will protect society for whatever time you put him in county jail or state prison, but it doesn't take care of the problem."
Oakland resident Mickey Lo, who was walking with his wife near Broadway on Thursday, said the repeated attacks on seniors are alarming.
"They're doing bad things to senior people," Lo said. "They don't do it to young people."
Henry Lee is a KTVU crime reporter. E-mail Henry at Henry.Lee@fox.com and follow him on X @henrykleeKTVU and www.facebook.com/henrykleefan
The Source: KTVU reporting, Oakland police, Alameda County DA's office