EXCLUSIVE: 71-year-old San Francisco girl considers shifting after being strangled throughout tried theft
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) – A 71-year-old San Francisco woman is considering leaving the city after she was strangled and carried by the neck in an attempted robbery at her Oceanview home. She and her significant other believe that what she screamed saved her life.
Remia Reyes was loading groceries from her SUV on the afternoon of July 14th when she suddenly felt an arm around her neck. At first she thought it was a relative giving her a playful hug, but when the grip tightened she realized something was wrong and thought she was going to die.
EXCLUSIVE: SF family held at gunpoint, robbed after father was mugged while washing the car
“I said, God, if this is my call I will accept it. I will accept it. If I have done something wrong in my life, forgive me. I am ready to accept it, Lord. That’s what I thought” said Reyes.
One of two suspects lifted Reyes five feet tall and carried her through the garage in a headlock.
“I said please don’t hurt me. I have some money. Not much, but I just want to share my money with you, ”Reyes said.
It’s what Reyes said next that may have saved her life.
EXCLUSIVE: San Francisco couple forcibly robbed after being chased home
“I said my brother has a gun. I don’t want my brother to be a murderer,” Reyes said.
She also called for her partner, Solita Magsalin, who was upstairs.
“I said,“ Dai! Dai! He thought I was going to tell Dan or Dad, “Reyes said.
She explained that “dai” is a nickname for someone in the Philippines. Reyes is half Chinese and half Filipino.
RELATED: Frustration Over “No Impact” For Organized Crime In SF
“Maybe he (the suspects) thought I was Chinese,” says Reyes, referring to the stereotype that Chinese people carry and have large amounts of cash.
The first suspect dropped Reyes on the floor while the other ran away.
During her interview with ABC7 News, Reyes pulled up her shorts to reveal the remains of bruises on both knees and stated the suspect also kicked her in the back.
Although no possessions other than garage door openers were taken, both women fear the couple will return and are now trying to figure out how to pay for a replacement garage door that the stolen openers will not open.
RELATED: San Franciscans Are Concerned About Public Safety, 70% Say Quality of Life has deteriorated
The couple took something different, much more precious.
“Is that my safety now?” says Reyes, who picks up a black rubber mallet that she always carries with her and that she sleeps with.
The 71-year-old also says she pretends to be brave for her brothers and sisters, but inside she is still hurt and very scared.
Your message to others on the subject of garage doors: Pay attention to your surroundings with your vehicle in an open garage and close the door immediately.
With tears here is her message to her perpetrators.
“Whoever did this to me, please no longer. My God!”
The San Francisco police investigation continues.
Copyright © 2021 KGO-TV. All rights reserved.
