A man is facing multiple charges after a violent attack at a South Side park in San Antonio left a young child seriously injured and her mother shaken, according to police and court records.
Atharva Vyas, 24, has been charged [1] with injury to a child with intent to cause bodily injury, assault causing bodily injury, and illegal entry from a foreign nation.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred around 3 p.m. on April 18 at Espada Park.
Investigators said the attack began while the child and her mother, Gabriella Perez, were walking together in the park.
According to police, Vyas allegedly grabbed Perez by the hair, causing her to fall to the ground and drop her 3-year-old daughter.
While Perez was on the ground, authorities said Vyas then assaulted the child, resulting in serious bodily injury.
Officers responding to the scene found Vyas being restrained by a witness who intervened after seeing the incident unfold.
Police said the witness did not know either the victims or the suspect but acted to stop the attack until officers arrived.
Both Perez and her daughter were evaluated for injuries at the scene.
Authorities have not provided additional details regarding the extent of the mother’s injuries.
The child, however, sustained significant harm during the attack, according to statements provided by Perez.
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In a GoFundMe [2] post, Perez described the incident as a targeted act of violence.
She wrote that she and her daughter were “targeted” in the attack and outlined the physical and emotional toll it has taken on her family.
Perez said her daughter suffered severe facial injuries, including bites and the loss of two teeth.
She also described the emotional impact the incident has had on the child in the days since.
“Since the attack, my daughter has needed constant care, comfort, and reassurance,” Perez wrote.
“She is unable to return to daycare or be left with anyone else, so I have had to take time away from work to be by her side.”
Perez said the family is now focused on helping her daughter recover from both the physical injuries and the emotional trauma caused by the attack.
She added that the situation has required significant adjustments to daily routines and responsibilities.
“We are reaching out for help during this incredibly difficult time,” Perez wrote.
“Any amount truly makes a difference, and if you’re not able to donate, sharing our story means just as much to us.”
Authorities have not identified a motive for the attack and have not released further details about what may have led up to the incident.
Police confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.
Vyas was taken into custody at the scene and later booked into the Bexar County Jail.
Court proceedings are expected to follow as prosecutors move forward with the charges filed in connection with the case.
The incident has drawn attention due to the nature of the attack and the involvement of a young child.
Officials have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.