Unarmed Black Man Renting Airbnb Shot by Neighbor In ‘Unprovoked Assault,’ Says DA

The incident went down on October 2, 2022, when an unidentified 21-year-old Black man renting an Airbnb in San Jose was allegedly shot by a neighbor, recognized by authorities as Mark Waters, whereas strolling to the grocery retailer.

In accordance with a launch from the County of Santa Clara DA, “because the sufferer crossed the road, he noticed Waters exit a house and shortly strategy him whereas holding a black handgun.” The discharge says, “the sufferer tried to run to security, however Waters shot him whereas his again was turned. Waters fired a single gunshot which resulted in severe accidents to the sufferer’s leg.”

Per a police report, the sufferer suffered a damaged femur … and it was Waters who referred to as 9-1-1.

Video of the taking pictures was obtained by a close-by neighbor, earlier than Waters was arrested and charged with felony assault with a semi-automatic firearm leading to nice bodily damage and private use of a firearm.

Eight firearms have been additionally reportedly seized from his residence.

The DA stated regulation enforcement is investigating potential hate crime allegations — including, “Everybody must be secure strolling to the shop. We won’t tolerate such mindless and violent acts on this County. We want the sufferer a speedy restoration and can make certain he receives justice for this brutal assault.”

Up to now, each Waters and his lawyer have declined to touch upon the case. In accordance with the police report, the suspect informed authorities he thought the sufferer had a gun … however “later realized it was a pair of headphones.” Throughout reserving, he additionally reportedly stated, “I can not take it again, what I’ve achieved. I’ve paid the value. I f—ed up.”

A rep for Airbnb, in the meantime, launched the next assertion: “We condemn this vicious and unprovoked assault. We thank the San Jose Police Division in addition to the Santa Clara County District Lawyer’s Workplace for his or her work to carry the perpetrator accountable and to ship a message that hate crimes haven’t any place in our society.”

His arraignment is scheduled for Monday, December 12.