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Detectives Seek Man Accused In Assault, Robbery Of 88-Year-Old Man In Hollywood

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Detectives sought the public's help Friday in  identifying a man who harassed and assaulted an 88-year-old man multiple times in Hollywood, police said.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, around 3:30 p.m. Aug. 19, the man followed the victim off a bus at Hollywood Boulevard and Bronson Avenue and walked toward the 5900 block of Carlos Way.

The man then confronted the victim and demanded money; however, the victim continued walking and ignored the request, police said.

Once in front of an apartment complex, the man again confronted the victim in a parking lot and attempted to prevent him from walking into the building.

Eventually, the victim passed the man but was followed into the building.

Surveillance video showed the victim attempt to close the door behind him in the elevator room; however, the man forced his way in.

elevator room
(credit: Los Angeles Police Department)

The man proceeded to push the victim against the wall multiple times, hurled him to the floor and attempted to take his property, police said.

Once inside the elevator, the victim handed over money; however, the man demanded more and proceeded to punch him multiple times.

When the elevator stopped, the man exited with the victim's property.

Detectives described the man suspected in the crime as a white or Hispanic man, about 25, 5-foot-8 and weighing about 150 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

The man was last seen wearing a gray baseball cap with a red bill, a black T-shirt with white print on the front, floral shorts and black tennis shoes.

He was also seen carrying a black-and-white checkered backpack and a white plastic bag.

The victim told KCAL9's Rachel Kim on Friday evening that he was nervous when the man began following him.

"I said don't follow me, get away," John Fu said.

Fu said he tried to close the elevator door but the man was too strong.

"He stronger than me," Fu said, "and he come in. He hit me, hit me again, and I fall down."

Fu told Kim his physical injuries have healed but he is hoping someone will see the surveillance tape and call police if they recognize the man.

The victim also told Kim he is angry about what happened but has forgiveness in his heart.

"Angry yes, a little bit," Fu said, "but I forgive him."

Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at (213) 972-2933.

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