Community Rallies Around 70-Year-Old Ice Cream Man Beaten During Robbery

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA — In less than one week, donors have given nearly $84,000 to help a 70-year-old ice cream vendor who was robbed and beaten while walking in North Hollywood.

The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, with more than 3,300 people donating small amounts to help David Juan Martinez recover and retire in the aftermath of the brutal attack.

Every day for three decades, Martinez, a father of 7, pushed his ice cream cart along the same route, according to his family.

But last Tuesday, as he walked home from work near Vanowen Street and Lemp Avenue, two men approached him, punched him repeatedly and robbed him of $80, his family told told KABC-TV News. The attack left him with a fractured nose and a bruised face. Martinez walked the mile to his house and was taken to the hospital for treatment. His family said he was determined to go back to work the next day.

“As we walked out the Hospital I told him that he needs to rest, and he said he will rest the night and go to work tomorrow. I don't want him to continue putting his life at risk,” his daughter-in-law Laura Rodriguez wrote on a GoFundMe page for Martinez. “He and his wife are very hard workers. They never ask for help or bother anyone. He didn't deserve to be assaulted especially at a senior age. He sells ice cream and he loves it, but it's time for him to start taking care of himself.”

The message resonated.

“This hits so close to home because my parents are also immigrants from Mexico. I know how hard this man has to work to make ends meets. I understand the struggle. I understand his want and urge to get back up and keep working. Many say my people are lazy. But this man is proof... that my people are strong and hard working. I wish him the best and fastest recovery,” Diana Laura Flores wrote on his GoFundMe page.

Others were inspired by the generosity of their neighbors.

“It's wonderful to see so many people coming together to help him,” Tiffany Yace wrote. “In a world filled with very evil people, there are still good hearted people . Bless those that have helped.”