81-Year-Old Hayward Man Brutally Assaulted Left in Critical Condition, Attacker Charged by DA

81-year-old Francisco Gonzalez was brutally assaulted on August 17 as he strolled along Whitman Street in Hayward, California. According to the Alameda County District Attorney's Office, the assailant, 23-year-old James Lambert, allegedly attacked the elderly man, stabbing him multiple times in the head and striking him with a metal pipe.

Quick intervention by an off-duty security guard enabled Gonzalez to be rushed to Eden Medical Center, where he now remains in critical condition. 

The Alameda County District Attorney's Office, led by District Attorney Pamela Price, has brought forth multiple charges against Lambert, including Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse, Infliction of Injury. In addition, the District Attorney’s Office is seeking a Great Bodily Injury charge.

DA Pamela Price stated that this case presents "extraordinary circumstances – a senseless and brutal attack on a vulnerable victim," and is therefore deserving of a sentencing enhancement for Great Bodily Injury. If convicted without this enhancement, Lambert could face up to nine years in prison. With the enhancement, an additional five years could be added to his sentence.