After two food vendors were assaulted in San Jose, the community held a buyout for them on Sunday afternoon.
The buyout started at 1 p.m. on Sunday at 1435 Bayshore Highway, outside of Intex Auto Parts, where one of the assaults happened.
Both food vendor victims attended.
The attack happened on SAP Center on February 16. Victim Saul Reconco said that a customer demanded a free hot dog after buying one moments earlier. Reconco refused, and the man kicked him in the face.
The entire incident was caught on video and the police are still searching for the suspect.
“No matter what, any street vendors need to have respect from everybody,” Reconco said.
The second attack occurred the following Saturday.
Carlos Sanchez was at his food stand when an employee from a nearby business assaulted him with a baseball bat. Later, the suspect was identified as Kenny Ho, 43.
Sanchez recorded the incident and posted it on social media. Ho was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and attempted carjacking.
Originally, Intex Auto Parts responded to the incident and Ho’s arrest by posting racially insensitive Google reviews. It has been since deleted.
As the incidents came to light, the owners of Intex Auto Parts and the suspect Ho seem to change their tune.
“I deeply regret my treatment of the gentleman who set-up a vending location outside of my family’s auto parts store. I cannot explain or justify my actions, but I can say that, until Saturday, I have always treated others with the respect and consideration that my family instilled in me. I failed to do so here and am ashamed of my conduct. I will ensure that I never treat others in this way again.” – Kenny Ho, Intex Auto Parts
Ho said he is aware of the buyout.
“I continue to be embarrassed and regretful about my actions. I would like to say how sorry I am personally, and to make up for my actions. Yesterday my family and I cleaned up the area for the event, we’re opening up our parking lot, and we put up big signs saying that everyone is welcome. This doesn’t change what I did, but is a truer picture of who I am rather than the person in the video. I hope everyone has a great time at the buyout.” – Kenny Ho
