By Brian Park
San Juan Capistrano Mayor John Taylor. Photo by Brian Park
San Juan Capistrano Mayor John Taylor was attacked by two unknown assailants Saturday night, while walking with his wife from a Christmas party, an Orange County Sherriff’s Department spokesman said.
The attack occurred around 11:30 p.m., in front of the Ramos House Café, as Taylor and his wife, Marianne, were walking southbound on Los Rios Street, according to Jim Amormino, the department’s director of media relations.
Taylor and his wife heard footsteps behind them and moved aside when one of the attackers punched Taylor in the head, knocking him to the ground. Both suspects began punching and kicking Taylor in the face area, said Amormino.
Taylor’s wife called for help and attempted to stop the attackers. The assault stopped shortly after Taylor’s wife yelled that they were attacking the mayor. The two then ran off toward an unknown location.
The two suspects are described as Hispanic males, about 6 feet in height and about 220 pounds.
Taylor was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for cuts and bruises to his head and later released.
“He was transported to the hospital for cuts and contusions to his face and scalp,” Amormino said. “He’s doing okay now. He’s bandaged up.”
The attack appears to be random and unrelated to Taylor’s position as mayor, Amormino said. No personal property was taken in the assault.
“There was no demand for money, so the motive is unknown at this time. Nothing was taken from either the mayor or the mayor’s wife,” Amormino said. “There’s nothing in our investigation at this stage which would indicate his position as mayor had anything to do with the attack.”
Taylor and his family have lived in the Los Rios Historic District for more than 20 years, according to the city’s website.
“The mayor is doing alright. He’s still performing all his city duties,” the city’s Chief of Police Services Lt. John Meyer said.
Authorities are canvassing the area for witnesses.
Witnesses who might have information are asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Watch Commander at 714.628.7170.
