Suspect Who Attacked And Beat 83-Year-Old Grandfather In Santa Ana Behind Bars
SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — Police in Santa Ana say the suspect wanted for beating an 83-year-old grandfather in an unprovoked attack is behind bars.
Police credit tips from the public in helping them nab 29=year-old Demarrea Chante Barnes, described as a transient.
He was arrested in Anaheim, authorities said. Barnes was booked on assault with a deadly weapon (other than firearm) and assault causing great bodily injury.
The attack victim was in a strip mall about 6:30 a.m. in the 5000 block of W. Edinger AvenueFriday walking to get a morning paper when the suspect allegedly hit him for no apparent reason, punched him several more times and then kicked him when he was on the ground.
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The victim -- identified as Tuan Nguyen -- remains hospitalized. Nguyen's children told KCAL9's Stacey Butler on Friday evening that their dad was in a lot of pain. They said he suffered several fractures -- including his eye socket and chin and that he had bleeding on the brain.
"I just couldn't believe someone could do this to our father," son Peter Nguyen said, "He's the nicest man. He's the last person you would think would be attacked, or have something like this happen. We're just shocked."
The victim told his children he didn't know the suspect but had exchanged pleasantries with him in the past.
