In a shocking incident that unfolded during daylight hours, a homeless man in California unexpectedly assaulted the mayor with a sucker punch.
Marysville City Councilman Dom Belza recounted a harrowing incident in which he and Mayor Chris Branscum were assaulted by a homeless man. The unfortunate incident took place while the mayor was downtown, evaluating the extent of the damage to a historic building.
“We were casually chatting on the sidewalk near the location when we witnessed an individual crossing at the crosswalk. Just as he reached the mayor, who had his back turned, the individual unexpectedly swung and struck him directly in the back,” Belza recounted. “There was no prior interaction or argument that provoked the assault. It was a completely unprovoked act of violence.”
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The California mayor expressed surprise at the suddenness of the attack. He recounted, “I was taken aback when I felt the impact, as if I had been struck by a car. It was a powerful blow. Before I could gather my wits, I witnessed a man swiftly passing by me, running. In response, I instinctively let out a frustrated exclamation.”
The suspect in question has been identified as Derek Hopkins, a 36-year-old individual. He has been charged with eight offenses, including assault of a public official. Interestingly, it was Belza who took it upon himself to pursue and successfully apprehend the suspect.
California Mayor Attacked
“I witnessed the assailant swiftly flee down the street, triggering my instinctive response to give chase,” Belza recounted. “As I closed the gap between us, reaching the midpoint of the block, he suddenly pivoted and caught sight of me behind him.”
Belza claimed that the homeless man had attacked him, but he refused to back down and fought back.
Belza described his actions, stating that he actively engaged the individual and successfully brought him down to the ground. He then proceeded to restrain him until the chief of police arrived at the scene. Belza and his team maintained custody of the individual until he was officially arrested.
Belza suggested that the recent assault on the California Mayor is indicative of the growing crime rates in various towns throughout the state. He emphasized that such incidents are becoming increasingly common, although not necessarily involving attacks on elected officials. He further highlighted the prevalence of similar crimes and assaults in communities across California.
According to him, this attack is a direct consequence of California’s soft-on-crime policy that has been in place for the past decade.
