Hate Crime Attack On Octogenarian: SD Police Call For Witnesses

SAN DIEGO, CA — Police this week are ramping up an investigation into the hate crime attack of an 81-year-old elderly Laotian man in front of a San Diego elementary school in December.

The assault took place between 9:07 a.m. and 9:14 a.m. on Dec. 17, in front of Porter North Elementary on South 47th Street and Franklin Avenue, according to Lt. Al Ambito of the San Diego Police Department. It spilled into the street, halting traffic, and police believe there may be witnesses who were going to or from the school for morning drop-offs at the time of the assault.

Detectives plan to again canvass the area Monday morning in hopes of finding witnesses who can help identify the attacker.

According to investigators, the attack was a hate crime that left 81-year-old Mark Sanouvong suffering severe injuries he is still being treated for. As he was walking along the sidewalk, Sanouvong was suddenly assaulted by an unknown suspect, the lieutenant said.

The suspect was described as a man about 40 years old, wearing a light-colored jacket, possibly a tan Dickies brand "Eisenhower" jacket with a front zipper, blue jeans, and carrying a large bag. He was about six-feet tall, average build, with brown hair.

Anyone with information about the attack was asked to contact the SDPD or Crime Stoppers.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Autin contributed to this report.