After Carl Chan was assaulted on Tuesday on his way to assist a crime victim, he said he’s now even more determined to prevent crimes against people in Oakland. Chan, who is the president of the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, is an outspoken advocate for the Asian and Asian American community.
“I was on my way to help a victim of a crime, and little did I know I would become the victim myself,” he said. Chan was struck on the head from behind near 8th St. and Broadway in downtown Oakland.
Chan says his attacker was yelling profanities and said either “Chinatown” or “Chinaman” before punching him. After falling to the ground, Chan was able to get up and take a photo of the person walking away, which later aided the police in identifying and arresting the suspect.
Oakland police say the suspect, a man from Oakland, is still in custody and an investigation is ongoing.