A new law protecting senior citizens is being put to the test in Hawaii.
37-year-old Jordan K. Wong is being charged with second degree assault, a class c felony, for allegedly pushing a senior citizen into the street in Honolulu.
KITV reports he is being held on $20,000 bail.
According to KHON2, 69-year-old Kristy Nguyen said she didn’t know her attacker and doesn’t understand why she was targeted.
Surveillance video shows a man walking on the street and as Nguyen passed him, he shoved her and caused her to fall into the street.
Nguyen suffered several bruises.
Under a new law signed by Governor David Ige, Wong could serve five years in prison if convicted.
“Those who prey upon our kupuna will be prosecuted to the maximum extent of the law,” Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm said to KHON. “We are thankful that the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed into law, Act 147, which provides much-needed protections for some of our most vulnerable residents.”
Alm vowed to seek the maximum penalty.
Under the new law which took affect in July, anyone who knowingly attacks a person over 60 can be charged with a class C felony, a mid-level crime that can carry a significant prison term.
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