Watsonville business owner speaks after homeless attack
A Watsonville business owner is recovering after a homeless man allegedly walked into her shop and beat her for calling the police.
Maria Basurto said the homeless man is known to be violent in the community.
On Thursday around 3 p.m. the man was reportedly on drugs and was seen trying to hit someone outside of Basurto’s store. He suddenly changed targets when he heard Basurto’s friend directing people to “call 9-1-1.”
“I ran (inside). My cell phone was here and the pepper spray. And I tried to grab it but he came behind me.”Basurto recalled.
Surveillance video shows Maria struggling to defend herself during the attack. She suffered bruises to her face and body.
The man was last seen running out of the store down Beach Street.
Basurto said Watsonville has a serious issue with the homeless, and she couldn’t count on the police.
Other downtown business owners agreed.
“It’s hard to call them when we call them, they are gone already and sometimes they can’t do anything,” said Maria Pena, who works at a nearby restaurant.
Watsonville recently introduced a downtown patrol officer. Business owners said it’s helpful but just not enough. After the latest incident, they are pleading to law enforcement and the city to offer more help.
“Do something. Do something with these people. Do something for these people, and do something for us to be safe,” Basurto said.
Homelessness is an on-going problem on the Central Coast, and a long term solution takes time and money.
Watsonville city officials said they are doing the best they can. T his includes assigning a mental health specialist with a cop to deal with the mentally ill and offering the homeless more spaces.
“We now have a winter shelter that is available, and we are currently working on a day center for homeless individuals,” said Tamara Vides, assistant of Watsonville city manager.
Watsonville Police did not return KION’s request for comment at the time this article was published.
