The San Francisco Police Department has released the mugshot of the 18-year-old suspect involved in the brutal assault of an 88-year-old woman on Visitacion Avenue earlier this month. 

Officials say they were able to identify 18-year-old Keonte Gathron by reviewing video surveillance, conducting multiple interviews, collecting evidence and releasing a sketch to the public for assistance in the investigation. 

“We have one individual who was wreaking havoc in our community and now he’s off the streets,” said San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott.

Gathron has been charged in this case with attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery, aggravated assault, elder abuse, burglary, possession of stolen property and attempting to destroy evidence.

In addition, the teen was charged in a carjacking case and other robberies. 

Officials say that the victim, Yik Oi Huang, remains in the hospital being treated for her critical injuries. 

“She endured severe head trauma so in cases like this, they don’t know what the recovery looks like,” said Cynthia Choi, spokesperson for the elderly woman’s family. “The family remains cautiously optimistic because it’s their beloved mother and grandmother.”

Police credit the community for their role in helping with the investigation, and community activists and board of supervisors. 

President of the city’s board of supervisors, Norman Yee, says this is an opportunity to call for greater police presence in that neighborhood. 

“We want to make sure more officers visible along San Bruno Avenue and the Visitacion Valley area,” said Yee.

The police chief says balancing resources is a constant struggle but nothing is off the table. 

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