Newark Councilmember Describes Park Assault, Fremont Woman Charged

Little said she was at a Newark park to look for her son and began talking with a group of men playing basketball. She introduced herself as a councilmember and asked for suggestions about planned park changes, she said. As she was taking notes and wrapping up the conversation, a woman struck her from behind, knocking her to the ground.

Little said the woman continued punching her in the face as she tried to fight back. She described bruising to her face and fingers and an injured shoulder blade. She has had scans and medical appointments, including care at a concussion clinic, and said the attack has left her with lasting emotional distress.

Newark police said officers responded to a report of an assault close to the intersection of Newark and Cedar Boulevards during the evening of October 25. The suspect fled in a vehicle. A witness provided a vehicle description, and police used automated license plate reader cameras to help identify it.

Police identified the suspect as 31-year-old Fremont resident Rosario Lopez. She was arrested on October 29 and charged by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office with aggravated battery. Police have not provided a motive. Little said she had been campaigning for reelection, and that the assault happened while she was discussing park improvements with residents.