On Tuesday, 25-year-old Danying Zhang was the victim of a chemical attack near Ala Moana, according to the US-China People’s Friendship Association. Sebastian Mahkwan, the suspect who was released on bail the day before, is now at the center of an ongoing investigation.
Mahkwan’s troubled past emerged when court records revealed his October arrest for assault and methamphetamine distribution. Despite facing serious charges, he was released on $8,000 bail this past Monday, only to be implicated in Zhang’s chemical attack the next day.
Zhang, a private school teacher, was critically injured during the assault and is currently hospitalized. Authorities have yet to reveal a possible motive for the attack, keeping the community on edge. It is unclear whether the incident was a random act or if Zhang was specifically targeted.
The timing of Mahkwan’s release and subsequent alleged attack calls into question the judicial system’s ability to handle individuals with a history of violence and drug offenses. Concerns remain about the decision to grant bail to someone with such a criminal history, especially given the severity of Mahkwan’s previous charges.
While police have declined to comment on the motive, a good Samaritan who witnessed the incident stated that Zhang did not appear to know the suspect. The community is still reeling from the senseless violence that occurred on their streets and anxiously awaits further developments in this disturbing case.
