71-year-old man violently assaulted while sitting on bench in Glendale
The Glendale Police Department on Wednesday sought the public's assistance in identifying a suspect wanted for felony assault and felony elder abuse.
The incident occurred Tuesday, May10, just before 11 a.m., in the 200 block of South Central Avenue when a male suspect approached a 71-year-old man, who was sitting on a bench, and assaulted him for no reason.
Surveillance footage shows the suspect punching the victim multiple times in the face, causing serious injury to the 71-year-old homeless victim. The suspect then walked away.
"People fall on hard times. It's not like they want to be there. There's definitely no need to attack them or anybody. It's unnecessary, that kind of violence," said shopper Jason Evans.
It's not clear if the man was attacked because he was homeless, but advocates in the area said it wouldn't be the first time the unhoused are targeted. In fact, statistics show they are more likely to be attacked then to be the aggressor.
"We have to take care of the homeless and people are getting tired of it and they're doing things that shouldn't happen to the homeless," said shopper Zach Jennings.
The victim was hospitalized because of his injuries, but has since been released.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Glendale Police Department at 818-548-4911. Anonymous tips can be made through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
