Man Terrorizes, Hurts Elderly Woman Amid East County Crime Spree: Police

EL CAJON, CA — A man terrorized and hurt an elderly woman during a drug-induced crime spree in San Diego's East County, authorities said.

Tony Sims, a 42-year-old convicted felon, is accused of injuring a senior who was staying at a motel near Oakdale Lane and Second Street in El Cajon, according to the El Cajon Police Department.

Sims, who is homeless, knocked on the woman's motel door Wednesday, Lt. Keith MacArthur said.

"When she opened the door, the stranger forcedly entered her motel room," MacArthur said. "He grabbed the woman's arm and pushed her down to the ground, causing significant but non-life-threatening injuries. Before leaving, he destroyed the room and the television."

Sims then ran from the motel to a nearby fast-food restaurant, where he jumped through the drive-through window and stole a knife from the kitchen before fleeing to a nearby grocery store, MacArthur said.

"Witnesses told police the man threatened another person with the knife while he was inside the store," he said. "Officers were unable to locate that victim."

Police found Sims hiding in bushes outside the store, MacArthur said. He was arrested on suspicion of elder abuse, burglary, vandalism and drug intoxication.

"Sims has had multiple prior arrests for violence and drugs and is on active parole for robbery," MacArthur said. "Police last arrested Sims earlier in March, weeks ago."

Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact the department at 619-579-3311 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at sdcrimestoppers.org.