RENTON, Wash. – A 76-year-old Renton man is speaking out after he was violently attacked and robbed in his garage, urging others in the community—particularly Asian Americans—to come forward if they believe they are being targeted.
The Attack
On August 8, Truc Nguyen had just returned home from the bank when he was confronted by an assailant who followed him into his garage.
“I think maybe I’m going to die,” Nguyen recalled of the moment he saw the man only feet away.
Security footage from a neighbor’s Ring camera shows a silver sedan parking near Nguyen’s home. A tall man exited the vehicle and quickly entered the garage as Nguyen was getting out of his car.
Inside, the suspect pepper-sprayed Nguyen and struck him on the head with the dispenser before stealing an envelope containing $3,500 in cash. Nguyen said the entire attack lasted less than five minutes.
Injuries and Aftermath
The pepper spray caused Nguyen severe pain, forcing him to collapse. The suspect fled immediately after the robbery.
Nguyen’s neighbors found him bleeding in the garage. His wife rushed him to the emergency room, where he required several stitches for his injuries.
Possible Motive
While investigators have not classified the case as a hate crime, Nguyen believes his race may have played a role in why he was targeted.
“I believe because I am Asian … so that’s why they got the right target for them,” Nguyen said.
Police have not determined the suspect’s motive and continue to search for leads.
According to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, there have been 30 anti-Asian hate crime cases filed since 2018, the second-highest of any group after anti-Black hate crimes.
A Call to Speak Out
Despite his injuries, Nguyen is determined to raise awareness and encourage others to share their stories.
“You need to speak it out. You need people, all the people, to know what’s going on in our community,” he said.
Nguyen hopes his experience will inspire others, particularly Asian Americans who may feel vulnerable, to report crimes and suspicious activity.
Police Investigation
As of Friday evening, Renton police are still actively searching for the suspect. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the silver sedan, the attacker, or the robbery to come forward.
Nguyen and his family say they will not let fear silence them and hope their openness will help prevent similar incidents in the community.
Conclusion
What began as a routine trip to the bank ended in violence for Truc Nguyen. Now recovering, the 76-year-old is calling on his neighbors to stay vigilant and to speak up if they believe they are being targeted.
For Nguyen, breaking the silence is the first step toward ensuring accountability—and making the community safer for everyone.
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