San Francisco, California — A volunteer at the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit is seeking to have his assault case transferred to a mental health court after allegedly inflicting severe injuries on a protester. The incident left the victim with life-altering conditions, including a serious brain injury and fractures to her jaw.
Michael Davies, 42, faces felony assault charges stemming from a confrontation with Sarah White, 41, during a protest outside the summit. Reports indicate that White sustained extensive injuries, including a broken jaw and skull damage, after Davies allegedly attacked her. Next month, a judge will consider Davies’ petition for mental health diversion, which could allow him to sidestep traditional prosecution.
White expressed her dismay at the prospect of Davies potentially avoiding accountability. “It feels like the system is being misused to protect someone who should be responsible,” she said, reflecting on the physical and psychological toll the incident has taken on her life.
The event, hosting numerous global leaders, became a backdrop for protests aimed at raising awareness for climate, labor, and Indigenous rights. White was among the activists attempting to voice their concerns when the confrontation unfolded. Following the alleged assault, she was hospitalized for four nights and required extensive medical treatment, including wiring her jaw shut for nearly two months.
Legal documents reveal that Davies was a volunteer during the APEC summit, a role which reportedly did not include adequate training for handling protests. Attorneys for White argue that the organizations overseeing the event, including the National Center for APEC and its subsidiaries, failed to screen Davies properly and to prepare him for the challenging environment of a large-scale protest.
Davies’ past criminal history includes a range of offenses, suggesting a troubling pattern. He completed a diversion program for earlier misdemeanor charges after vandalism incidents in 2022, which could influence his current plea.
While Davies seeks to shift his case to a mental health program — an option that serves as an alternative to jail time — White’s legal team insists that allowing such a diversion would be unjust. “His actions have altered my life irreversibly,” she remarked, noting that she can no longer work in her previous educational role, having once directed programs that engaged youth across the globe in adventurous learning experiences.
The severity of White’s injuries may present lasting effects on her health and quality of life. Doctors have warned that further brain trauma could be catastrophic. “I’m left facing a reality where I could deal with seizures or epilepsy for the rest of my life,” she explained, illustrating the significant emotional burden stemming from the assault.
In a court system where diversion has become more prevalent in recent years, the ultimate decision will hinge on the judge’s evaluation of Davies’ case. Meanwhile, White is left grappling with her changed life and hopes to reclaim her sense of normalcy. “I yearn for a time when I can move beyond this experience and rediscover my dreams,” she stated, emphasizing the quest for healing amidst her ongoing struggles.