A tragic incident unfolded late Monday night at the Powell Street station in downtown San Francisco, where a 74-year-old woman was fatally pushed into an arriving commuter train. The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Trevor Belmont, also known as Hoak Taing, is described by authorities as a transient. He was arrested shortly after the incident and booked into San Francisco County Jail on suspicion of homicide.
The victim, Corazon Dandan, was a resident of San Mateo County and worked at the Parc 55 hotel, which is located near the Powell Street station. According to her family, she was on her way home when the attack occurred. The incident took place around 11:05 p.m. as a Millbrae-bound train was approaching the platform. Dandan was pushed, hit her head on the train, and subsequently fell onto the platform. She was rushed to San Francisco General Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
BART Police Chief Kevin Franklin stated, “The train was arriving at the platform, coming into the platform when the victim was pushed. We believe the suspect intentionally pushed this person into that oncoming train, causing those serious injuries.” The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.
This incident marks the first homicide of the year within the BART system, which serves much of the San Francisco Bay Area. Homicides on BART are rare, making this case particularly shocking for the community. BART police are actively investigating the incident, interviewing witnesses, processing evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage to piece together the events leading up to the tragic event.
The broader context of such incidents is not isolated to San Francisco. In March, a passenger in New York City died after being pushed into an oncoming subway train in an unprovoked attack by a person experiencing mental health issues. Two years ago, another homeless man pushed an Asian American woman into the NYC subway at the Times Square station, resulting in her death. These seemingly random acts of violence often attract widespread attention and raise concerns about public safety in transit systems.
Advocates for the homeless community argue that people experiencing homelessness are more likely to be victims rather than perpetrators of crime. However, incidents like these highlight the complex challenges faced by urban areas in addressing mental health issues and ensuring the safety of all residents.
BART police have had previous encounters with Belmont, but none involved serious crimes. Chief Franklin noted, “We have had contacts with this person in the past but not for any serious crimes such as this one.” The arrest of Belmont on the platform shortly after the incident underscores the swift response by BART police in apprehending the suspect.
The tragic death of Corazon Dandan has left her family and the community in mourning. Her nephew and niece, who spoke to the media, expressed their grief and shock over the sudden loss of their loved one. Dandan’s death serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by commuters and the importance of vigilance and safety measures in public transit systems.
As the investigation continues, BART police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The community’s cooperation is crucial in ensuring a thorough and comprehensive investigation. The tragic event has also sparked discussions about the need for improved safety protocols and support systems for individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health issues.
In the wake of this incident, BART officials and local authorities are likely to review and potentially enhance security measures within the transit system. The goal is to prevent such tragedies in the future and to provide a safer environment for all commuters.
The death of Corazon Dandan is a heartbreaking loss for her family and the community. As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that justice will be served, and measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing the root causes of such violence and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in public spaces.
Source: Nexstar Media, Inc.
