Victim's Family, Church Relieved Grass Valley Elderly Beating Suspect Arrested
GRASS VALLEY (CBS13) — A community is breathing a sigh of relief after the capture of a suspect in a brutal assault on a woman outside a Grass Valley church.
Alan Kierkegaard, 50, was arrested on Thursday night after a resident tipped police to the location of the beating victim's car.
He's accused of a brutal attack on 78-year-old church volunteer Mary Tassone and stealing her car. Her family says Tassone was unable to speak to police this week because of the extent of her injuries.
"Really, there was a collective sigh of relief, because so much of our energy was being devoted in trying to assist in the locating efforts," her nephew Greg Tassone said.
He says the family is incredibly thankful for the community support and a tipster's watchful eye.
"Now that he's been apprehended, all of that can go away, and we can just focus on Mary Grace and her recovery," he said.
His aunt remains in critical condition, and is still unconscious. No one knows for sure just how well she'll recover.
Kierkegaard's motive in the brutal attack is still unknown.
Father Sylvester Kwiatkowsi says Tassone's absence has been profound. He says she would want to offer mercy to her alleged attacker.
"We have to pray for this guy, because he needs forgiveness and healing," he said.
Kierkegaard is facing an attempted murder charge, and declined to do interviews.