NYPD: Suspect Wanted For Hitting Elderly Man In The Face In Unprovoked Attack
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- An elderly man was attacked by a stranger on the street in the Bronx.
As CBS2's Scott Rapoport reported, the horrible bruises on the face, head, and elbow of 88-year-old Herman Ventura toll of the pain and anguish that he endured.
Ventura was viciously attacked on Monday afternoon at the corner of Briggs Ave and 196th Street and sent crashing to the pavement.
In his native Spanish he told CBS2's Rapoport that he was punched in the face and knocked down for no reason.
Police say their suspect is a young man seen on surveillance video causally strolling in the area just before the beating happened.
Cops said the violence was utterly unprovoked. Ventura was merely attempting to cross the street when the attacker lashed out.
The 88-year-old told WCBS 880's Myles Miller that his wife is bedridden and he was coming back from the pharmacy where he picked up the medicine she needs to survive.
After being blindsided, the octogenarian -- who is in poor health -- fought back.
He said he grabbed his attacker around the neck and threw him to the ground.
Police said the suspect immediately bolted from the scene and has not been caught.
Ventura said the man didn't say a word, and didn't steal anything from him.
The blows to his face and body left him bruised and with a torn eye socket, Miller reported. He said he's lucky no bones were broken, but he's never felt safe in the neighborhood.
The senseless and sadistic act has people in the neighborhood upset.
"Very, very sad. Especially an old person, that's disgusting," one person said.
The suspect has been described as Hispanic, between 15 and 20-years-old, with medium complexion, brown eyes, and black hair. He was last seen wearing a dark blue jacket, a blue hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and black and white sneakers.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS or for Spanish 1-888-57-PISTA (74782), visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
