Trial of Noah Ochoa, San Antonio Man Accused of Assaulting Woman in Viral Video, Set to Start Next Week
Trial proceedings for a San Antonio local, Noah Ochoa, are slated to commence next week. The 25-year-old has been accused of assaulting a woman in an incident that was caught on camera and gained widespread attention on social media. Ochoa faces the charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a felony.
The Altercation Incident
Noah Ochoa was apprehended by the San Antonio police in January 2024 following an alleged physical encounter with a woman in Olmos Basin Park. The incident, which took place in May 2023, became known to the public when a video clip of it started circulating online.
According to the police report, the clash arose when the woman accused Ochoa of mistreating his canine pet. The report states that Ochoa responded by striking the woman twice in the back of her head with his open hand. He then climbed into his vehicle, reportedly charging at her as if intending to hit her.
A Viral Video Propels Public Interest
The physical altercation gained significant public attention largely due to a video clip of the incident that was broadly shared on the TikTok social media platform. The video was initially brought to public attention by a Florida-based internet sleuth, known online as @TizzyEnt or Michael McWhorter, who called for information on the incident.
Initially, Ochoa was charged with misdemeanor assault — bodily injury. However, the charges were later upgraded to felony, although reasons for this change remain unclear.
Allegations of Police Bias
In an online video clip, Michael McWhorter suggested that a detective from the San Antonio Police Department may have intentionally delayed pressing charges against Ochoa, allegedly due to the accused having familial relations with a 20-year veteran of the force. However, these allegations have not been independently verified.
The Upcoming Trial
The accused, Noah Ochoa, is currently out on a bond of $50,000. His trial is set to begin in Bexar County’s 290th District Court on June 24, 2024. The trial is being closely watched by the local community and followers of the case online, and its outcome is eagerly awaited.
As the trial proceedings draw closer, additional details and developments relating to the case are expected to be released.
The charges brought against Ochoa remind us that even in the age of internet and social media, criminal activities can be brought to light and individuals held accountable for their actions thus underlining the importance of due process and the justice system.
