Suspect in San Francisco Boxcutter Attack on Five Released on $50,000 Bail

Joncarlo Gutierrez, 32, accused of severely slashing five individuals with a boxcutter during an altercation last month, has been released from custody after a San Francisco judge set his bail at $50,000. This judicial decision was made despite strong opposition from the San Francisco District Attorney's office, which had vehemently argued for Gutierrez's continued detention without bail, citing significant public safety concerns. Gutierrez entered a plea of not guilty to all charges during his recent arraignment proceedings.

The violent incident unfolded in the early hours of October 24 at a business situated on the 3900 block of Geary Boulevard in San Francisco's Inner Richmond District. Court documents detail that Gutierrez allegedly initiated the attack by headbutting a woman after an argument, subsequently brandishing a boxcutter. He then reportedly used the weapon to slash the woman and several other patrons who attempted to intervene in the escalating confrontation.

Following the assault, four of the victims required hospitalization for non-life-threatening injuries, while a fifth individual received medical assessment and treatment directly at the scene. Police investigators were able to identify Gutierrez as the suspect, leading to his arrest and the filing of multiple serious charges. He fled the scene after the attack, leaving behind his driver's license and hat, which aided in his identification.

The San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins' office formally charged Gutierrez with five counts of assault with a deadly weapon and two counts of mayhem. The criminal complaint further includes allegations that Gutierrez personally inflicted great bodily injury on the victims, underscoring the severity of the charges. Prosecutors explicitly requested that Gutierrez be held without bail, emphasizing the potential danger he poses to the community.

Despite the prosecution's arguments, a judge ultimately set bail at $50,000, allowing Gutierrez to be released from custody. This decision has sparked public discussion and criticism regarding judicial leniency in serious cases. For example, social media user Kane 謝凱堯 posted, "> San Francisco’s progressive judges release a criminal who slashed five people with boxcutters." Gutierrez is currently scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on December 4, where the legal proceedings are expected to continue.