Unprovoked Attack Against Elderly Man Caught On Tape

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Police are looking for a man who beat an elderly man in an unprovoked attack on a busy Hollywood Street. The disturbing incident was caught on camera.

Authorities Wednesday released video footage in hopes that someone can identify the attacker in the Oct. 20 incident. The elderly victim suffered serious injuries from the attack.

The victim, whose name and exact age were withheld, was attacked about 8 a.m. on Oct. 20 in the 800 block of North La Brea Avenue, about a block north of Melrose Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The video shows the senior citizen passing his attacker on the street when suddenly the attacker waves a bag menacingly at the elderly man causing him to flinch. The victim tries to walk away, and that's when the suspect struck him from behind, sending him tumbling onto the sidewalk. The attacker then continues on his way as if nothing happened.

"The suspect approached the elderly victim from behind and struck him in the face with a backpack without any provocation," according to an LAPD statement.

"The victim fell onto the ground from the impact, sustaining serious injuries."

The suspect is described as white or possibly Asian, in his 20s, about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 150 to 170 pounds. He had a moustache and goatee, was wearing a dark beanie, gray sweatshirt and dark pants.

Anyone with information that could help bring the attacker to justice was urged to call (213) 922-8231 to speak with Wilshire Area detectives Mayer or Nunez.

After-hours or weekend calls should be directed to (877) LAPD-24-7. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222- TIPS.

City News Service contributed to this report. Photo: Youtube screengrab