LOS ANGELES, CA – Police are searching for a man accused of violently attacking a 71-year-old at a Santa Ana bus stop, striking him with a skateboard and repeatedly punching him in the head and face until he lost consciousness.
The assault occurred on July 19 near the intersection of 17th Street and Bristol Street, according to information provided by the Santa Ana Police Department.
Police said the victim was sitting at a bus stop when he became involved in a verbal confrontation with another man who was carrying a skateboard.
Investigators have not disclosed what started the argument.
As the exchange escalated, authorities said the suspect struck the 71-year-old with the skateboard before continuing the attack with his fists.
Cellphone video recorded by a witness reportedly showed the hooded suspect repeatedly punching the victim in the face and head.
The older man was eventually knocked unconscious.
The suspect fled before police arrived.
Authorities have not publicly provided an update on the victim’s medical condition or said whether he required hospitalization after the attack.
Police Release Description of Suspect
Investigators described the wanted man as a Hispanic male believed to be in his 20s or 30s, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing about 170 pounds.
He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, long black pants and black shoes.
Police have not released his name.
Authorities also have not said whether investigators believe the suspect knew the victim before the confrontation or whether the encounter began between strangers at the bus stop.
The suspect was carrying a skateboard before the altercation, according to police, and investigators allege he later used that same object as a weapon.
Witness Video Captured Attack
A witness recorded at least part of the assault on a cellphone.
The footage could become significant to investigators because it may help establish the sequence of the attack and provide additional visual details about the person police are attempting to identify.
Authorities have not said whether other surveillance cameras in the area captured the suspect before or after the assault.
No arrest has been announced.
Police also have not disclosed whether the skateboard was recovered or taken by the suspect when he fled.
Attack Occurred at Major Santa Ana Intersection
The assault happened near 17th and Bristol streets, a significant intersection within Santa Ana.
City records show Bristol Street is one of Santa Ana’s established transportation corridors, with numerous signalized intersections and public infrastructure running through the area. Official city documents specifically identify multiple Bristol Street intersections, including nearby 19th Street and other major cross streets.
That broader transportation context does not explain the assault itself, but it underscores that the incident occurred in a public area where investigators may potentially seek witnesses or additional video.
Motive Has Not Been Disclosed
Several important questions remain unanswered.
Police have not explained what the two men were arguing about or what caused the verbal confrontation to become violent.
Authorities also have not said whether robbery was involved, whether anything was taken from the victim or whether investigators believe the attack was random.
There is likewise no publicly confirmed information indicating that the assault was motivated by the victim’s age or any other particular characteristic.
For now, the case remains centered on identifying the man shown in the footage.
Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information that could assist investigators is asked to contact Police Investigative Specialist V. Lee at 714-245-8375 or by email at [email protected].
The investigation remains ongoing.
