Suspect arrested for battery on a senior citizen.
San Mateo, CA – On April 11, 2026, at 7:34pm, San Mateo police officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Laurel Ave. on report that an elderly victim (83-year-old) had been physically attacked from behind while walking home from a nearby park. The victim, who suffered visible injuries to his face and head, was unable to provide much detail, however, two witnesses saw the suspect flee the scene and enter a nearby apartment complex. The victim was transported to the hospital, where he is currently recovering from his injuries.
Utilizing our Real Time Information Center (RTIC), a police dispatcher was able to locate a possible suspect associated with the apartment complex who fit the description given by witnesses. Identified as Quinn Johns, officer’s familiar with Johns made contact with him and were able to speak with him. Ultimately, both witnesses were able to confirm Johns had been the subject they witnessed run from the attack and video security footage, while it did not capture the actual assault, did show Johns to be in the area at the time. Johns was arrested, transported, and booked into San Mateo County Jail.
We have seen some reports on Nextdoor.com from those sharing information about this incident who believed this to be a hate crime. There is no merit to that claim and Johns was not charged with a hate crime. Because this attack was random, as for motive, it is relevant to share that Johns took the anger and frustration he was experiencing at home out on the first person he saw.
Anger, frustration, and stress can make you feel out of control. However, physically attacking someone is never the answer. If you feel overwhelmed by your inability to manage anger or have underlying mental health or addiction issues that compound negative feelings, please reach out for assistance. San Mateo County Behavioral Health, https://www.smchealth.org/bhrs and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration https://www.samhsa.gov/ are great resources for help. In the moment, if you are experiencing any type of anger follow these tips to try and calm down:
- Take a Timeout: Remove yourself from the situation or person upsetting you
- Relax: Use deep breathing exercises, count to 10, close your eyes and just breathe
- Change your thinking: Imagine something happy, tell yourself “I’ve got this”, be positive
- Problem-Solving: Figure out what the core problem is and try and try to find a solution
- Physical Activity: Exercise or take a walk
- Humor: Watch something funny, laugh, and sometimes crying even helps release pressure
While this isn’t an exhaustive list, time and distance from an upsetting situation can prevent bigger problems from forming.
ARRESTED
Quinn Johns, 19-year-old San Mateo resident
CHARGES:
243(d)PC – Battery with serious bodily injury and 368(b)(1) PC – Cause injury to an elder adult
###
