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Calabasas, known for its peaceful neighborhoods, was shaken by a disturbing incident that unfolded on December 5, 2023. A 60-year-old grandfather, innocently pushing his 10-month-old grandchild in a stroller, became the victim of a senseless and unprovoked attack. In this blog post, we delve into the details of the incident, the subsequent arrest of the assailant, and the community's response to this shocking act of violence.
The Assault
Security camera footage captured the heart-wrenching moment when a 29-year-old man, identified as Angel Sanchez Jr., approached the grandfather and delivered a forceful punch to his face. The impact caused both the victim and the stroller, carrying the infant, to tumble to the ground. The attacker callously fled the scene in a stolen silver 2005 Honda Odyssey, leaving the community in shock.
Arrest and Charges
Fortunately, swift action by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) led to the arrest of Angel Sanchez Jr. in Oxnard. He now faces charges of assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury. The LASD also linked Sanchez to a previous attack in the 26000 block of Agoura Road, raising concerns about the assailant's pattern of violence.
Community Outcry
The incident, shared widely on social media and local news platforms, has prompted an outpouring of support for the victim and condemnation for the attacker's actions. Residents expressed their shock and horror, emphasizing the perceived safety of their community and the distress caused by such a seemingly random act of violence.
Greg Higa, a resident, conveyed his disbelief, stating, "It feels really random … this is a safe neighborhood, and we're all just absolutely horrified that something could happen here to someone doing something so innocent like walking their child."
Mary Steele, another neighbor, emphasized the innocence of the victim, describing him as a "very nice community member" and expressing concern for the well-being of the infant caught in the crossfire.
Investigation and Motive
While both victims share Asian descent, authorities are currently investigating the motive behind these attacks. The seemingly random nature of the assaults has heightened concerns within the community, and the LASD is urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
The assault in Calabasas serves as a stark reminder that safety is not guaranteed, even in the most peaceful communities. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community rallies together to support the affected family and to reaffirm their commitment to maintaining a secure and close-knit neighborhood. The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and community cooperation to ensure the safety of all residents.
Source: KTLA