SAN JOSE, Calif. — A homeless woman allegedly attacked a 4-year-old girl by hitting her in the head with a crowbar inside a Wal-Mart store.
The attack happened Tuesday, reported the LA Times. Maria Garate was identified as the suspect in the attack.
She is being charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. Both charges include a hate crime allegation. Police said they believe Garate targeted the family because they are Asian.
Police said the girl and her father were shopping at the store when Garate entered, approached the family and hit the girl.
The girl’s father managed to get in-between them and took the second blow from Garate.
The child was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
KTVU-TV reported that when police took Garate into custody, she was upset that the child did not die.
