In a shocking and violent incident on April 18, 2026, a 3-year-old toddler, Amelia Perez, was severely injured in a brutal attack by a 24-year-old illegal immigrant from India, Atharva Vyas. The attack, which occurred in a San Antonio park, has left the young girl with life-changing injuries, including deep scratches, bite marks, and two front teeth knocked out. This attack has reignited concerns over immigration policies and public safety.
The Attack: A Frenzied and Violent Encounter
The incident occurred around 2 p.m. at Espada Park in San Antonio. Gabriella Perez, 27, along with her daughter Amelia, her partner Xavier Estrada, and grandfather Richard Ariaza, had gone to the park for a peaceful afternoon of fishing.
Gabriella took Amelia to the restroom, but as they returned outside, they were confronted by Vyas, who was allegedly high on “wax,” a concentrated cannabis product known to have powerful effects.
Vyas, in a frenzied state, charged at Gabriella, grabbing her hair and punching her in the jaw. In an attempt to shield her daughter, Gabriella quickly dropped Amelia to the ground and tried to remove her from the dangerous situation.
However, Vyas lunged at the toddler, pinning her to the ground before turning violent, jamming his thumbs into her eyes, and eventually biting her face, ripping out two of her front teeth. Gabriella struggled to fight off the attacker while horrified witnesses rushed to help.
The Role of Wax: A Potent Cannabis Product
Authorities later revealed that Vyas was allegedly under the influence of “wax,” a highly concentrated form of cannabis. According to law enforcement, one dose of this substance is comparable to smoking 15 to 20 regular joints. The impact of the drug reportedly contributed to Vyas’s erratic and violent behavior during the attack.
The Struggle for Help: Community Intervention
As Vyas continued his attack, witnesses came to the rescue. A group of bystanders intervened, dragging the attacker off Amelia while Gabriella screamed for help. Her partner, Xavier, heard the commotion and rushed to the scene, but by then, the crowd had overwhelmed Vyas. Some of the witnesses even drew firearms in an attempt to protect the family. The mob continued to subdue Vyas until San Antonio police officers arrived, finding him drifting in and out of consciousness.
Amelia’s Condition: Immediate Care and Trauma
Amelia was rushed to Christus Children’s Hospital, where she was treated for shock and multiple injuries. Gabriella recalled the emotional distress the family endured as they watched Amelia remain eerily calm despite her injuries. “She didn’t make a peep, even though she was in a great deal of pain,” Gabriella said. “It hadn’t hit her yet, what happened.” The young girl’s life has been permanently affected by this traumatic event.
The Arrest of Vyas and His Criminal History
Vyas was arrested and charged with injury to a child with intent to cause bodily injury, assault causing bodily injury, and illegal entry from a foreign nation. According to court records, Vyas entered the United States in August 2023 on a student visa.
However, three months later, he was arrested for felony assault at the University of Texas. Although the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was notified, the Biden administration decided that the crime was not “egregious” enough to revoke his visa.
In April 2025, the Trump administration revoked Vyas’s F-1 student visa due to the assault charges. On the day of the attack on Amelia, ICE issued a detainer request, asking local San Antonio police to turn over Vyas after he faced the American justice system.
The Impact of Failed Immigration Policies
The attack has sparked outrage, with many criticizing the policies that allowed Vyas to remain in the U.S. despite his violent criminal history. Lauren Bis, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), expressed her frustration with the situation, stating, “This barbaric assault against this woman and her 3-year-old child in a park was completely preventable.
The Biden administration NEVER should have released this animal following his arrest for assault.”
The DHS and other law enforcement agencies are working to prevent further tragedies like this from happening and continue to emphasize the importance of strict immigration enforcement to ensure public safety.
Family’s Appeal for Prayers and Support
Gabriella Perez has since taken to GoFundMe to share her family’s grief and ask for support. The emotional toll of the attack has been overwhelming for the family. Gabriella posted, “We need people to send us prayers. We are focusing on healing and recovery.” She also added, “Even though you try to protect your children, this is a dangerous world with dangerous people.”
The Perez family’s journey toward recovery will be long, and they have called for support and prayers from the community.
Table: Key Details of the Attack
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Amelia Perez (3-year-old) |
| Accused Attacker | Atharva Vyas (24-year-old illegal immigrant from India) |
| Date of Attack | April 18, 2026 |
| Location | Espada Park, San Antonio, Texas |
| Charges | Injury to a child with intent to cause bodily injury, assault causing bodily injury, illegal entry from a foreign nation |
| Substance Involved | “Wax,” a concentrated cannabis product |
| Victim’s Injuries | Deep scratches, bite wounds, two teeth knocked out, emotional trauma |
| Attacker’s Criminal History | Previous felony assault arrest, illegal immigrant status |
| DHS Response | Detainer request issued after attack |
The violent and horrific attack on Amelia Perez has shocked the San Antonio community and raised concerns about immigration policies. The tragic incident serves as a painful reminder of the risks posed by violent individuals who are allowed to remain in the U.S. Despite a history of criminal behavior, Atharva Vyas remained in the country, and his actions have now irreparably impacted a young child and her family. The Perez family is now focused on healing from the trauma while the case continues to unfold.
