Skateboarder Charged with Attempted Murder for Beating a 75-Year-Old Man
SAN LEANDRO — A skateboarder in custody faces charges including attempted murder in connection with a brutal attack of a 75-year-old man. The alleged attacker is Rafael Betancourt, a 26-year-old resident of San Leandro.
A surveillance camera recorded the elderly man being beaten by the suspect with a skateboard. The victim was hospitalized for head and face injuries from the beating, including a brain hemorrhage.
This attack occurred in an unincorporated area of San Leandro on May 2 at approximately 8 p.m. The victim was severely beaten on East 14th Street, one block away from Jack Holland Skatepark.
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of this violent assault. Betancourt was seen fleeing from the area of the crime scene. He apparently attempted to conceal the skateboard that he allegedly used to beat the victim.
Deputies were able to locate and detain Betancourt nearby without further incident. He was arrested at 8:24 p.m., outside REACH Ashland Youth Center at 16335 East 14th Street.
Betancourt remains in custody at Santa Rita Jail. Thirteen charges have been filed against him, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and elder abuse.
He already has previous convictions for weapons, fighting and a DUI. In January, he was arrested for hit-and-run driving for his third time. He also has prior arrests for battery, carrying a switchblade, public intoxication, DUIs, vandalism, and elder/dependent adult abuse.
-by Jim Emerson
