Police have arrested a man accused of violently assaulting a senior citizen in an unprovoked attack on the city’s south side last week.
According to authorities, the incident occurred on October 17 in the 1500 block of Lyon Avenue, where officers responded to reports of a 65-year-old man being assaulted. Witnesses told police that the suspect, later identified as Ashton Slocum, approached the victim asking for a cigarette and food before suddenly punching him in the face.
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The victim sustained visible injuries during the assault. Fortunately, an off-duty SPD officer nearby witnessed the suspect shortly after the attack and detained him until responding patrol officers arrived on the scene.
Slocum was arrested and charged with Second-Degree Battery and Battery of the Infirm, the latter charge reflecting the victim’s age and vulnerability.
Police praised the swift action of officers in ensuring the suspect was taken into custody quickly.
“Acts of violence will not be tolerated in our city,” the department said in a statement. “We’re proud of our officers’ quick response and teamwork that led to this violent offender being removed from our streets.”
The victim is recovering, and authorities have not disclosed further details about his condition.