Man, 72, Beaten Unconscious In Gas Station Attack Caught On Video

SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — Authorities say a 72-year-old man was beaten unconscious in an attack at a Southern California gas station that was caught on tape.

The victim, identified by loved ones as Jose Chacon, was attacked after losing his footing and falling on the suspect's vehicle, according to police.

The incident unfolded at a 76 gas station in the 4500 block of Westminster Street around 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7.

Authorities have identified the suspect as Samuel Alvarez, 18, who is on probation, police say.

Alvarez is accused of swinging an aluminum baseball bat across Chacon's face, shattering his jaw.

In self-defense, authorities say, Chacon grabbed a pipe from his truck but was unable to fend off the attack. The last blow knocked him to the ground.

"My dad was able to defend himself and he got hit in the arm and the second one was to his face," said Vanessa Chacon Johnson, the victim's daughter.

Chacon remains hospitalized and is expected to have surgery Thursday.

"I can't believe he did this," said Johnson. "I hope this doesn't happen to your father or your grandfather or anyone that you love because he's truly loved and adored and we miss him at home."

Police say Alvarez is known to frequent the area of 3900 West Fifth Street in Santa Ana.

"This could happen to anybody. You know, if this person is out there, they're gonna do it to someone else," Johnson said.

Anyone with more information as to his whereabouts was asked to call Detective Capacete at (714) 245-8506.