A 72-year-old man was in the intensive care unit after an 18-year-old man was accused of beating him with a baseball bat outside a gas station, police said Wednesday.
Police were asking for the public’s help in finding Samuel Elijah Alvarez, 18, of Santa Ana, who they said beat Jose Chacon.
Sunday’s attack in a 76 gas station parking lot in the 4500 block of Westminster Avenue stemmed from an argument between Alvarez and the victim, Anthony Bertagna, spokesman for the Santa Ana Police Department, said.
Police said the 72-year-old was walking out of the gas station when he stumbled and fell on Alvarez’s car.
The two began to argue, and police said the teen grabbed a bat and started beating the man.
The 72-year-old went to his car to try to find something to help defend himself, but swung at Alvarez and missed, police said.
Bertagna said Alvarez continued to attack the man.
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The man was taken to the hospital where he remains in the ICU.
"He's truly loved and adored, and we miss him at home," said the victim's daughter Vanessa Chacon-Johnson.
Investigators said Alvarez is from the neighborhood and is seen at the gas station.
The victim's family is hoping someone notices Alvarez and turns him in to police.
Police were asking anyone with information on the attack or Alvarez to contact the Santa Ana Police Department at (714) 245-8665.
