LANCASTER – An 80-year-old man was hospitalized with several broken ribs after he was assaulted and robbed in the bathroom of a Lancaster grocery store Wednesday.
The assault occurred about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, at the grocery store in the 1000 block of East Avenue J, near 10th Street, according to a news release from the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station.
“When deputies arrived on scene, they contacted the victim, an 80-year-old Hispanic male, who told them he had been assaulted while inside the bathroom of the grocery store. The suspect, a Black male adult, repeatedly punched and kicked the victim then stole the victim’s wallet,” the news release states.
Witnesses told investigators that the suspect, who left the store on foot, is a Black man between 22 and 25 years old, 5 feet, 8 inches tall, and about 250 pounds, the sheriff’s department reported. The suspect was wearing a white T-shirt and blue shorts.
“The victim was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital and is currently being treated for facial injuries and several broken ribs. This is an ongoing investigation and every detail will be thoroughly investigated, including the possibility of this being a hate crime,” sheriff’s officials said in the news release.
Anyone with information about this assault is encouraged to contact Lancaster Sheriff’s Station detectives at 661-948-8466.
UPDATE: Detectives are circulating photos of a suspect and possible accomplice. Read more here.
UPDATE: Family members identified the victim as Roberto Flores Lopez. An online fundraiser has been established to assist with his medical bills. To donate, visit: https://gf.me/u/yfvi2y
UPDATE: The suspects turned themselves in. Read the updated story here.
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All lives matter says
This is my godfather you are talking about and no he didn’t [removed] fall…. I have mixed children my husband is black im all in for blm and so is my godfather. There is low life pieces of [removed] like this guy that are money hungry and will kill for 20 bucks what a [removed] shame. And yes the media should blow this [removed] up because it doesn’t matter of race all justice must be served no matter the circumstances. So next time think twice of what is coming out your mouth because when this [removed] happens to one of your family members then you’ll want justice at whatever extent.
Justicer says
This is the 3rd elderly person unmercifully killed by a young African American in less than a week. I don’t see any whites or hispanics destroying or vandalizing the city like they do when one of them are angry with regards to the same situation happening to one of them. Our cultures are different
Alby says
BLDM. ALM.
JV says
I don’t have an inferiority complex, but believe you might!!! Crazy is crazy as is violence is violence. Stop classifying us all under the act of one person. I am human with sensitive and no complex problem. Think before posting
Alby says
You’re right. I wasn’t thinking. He didn’t say inferiority complex…, he said domineering complex thats very dangerous. No wonder my post was removed. And no I dont classify all as one person… Espesially the beautilul woman. God knows, they never been classified. The rest could stay outta my face.
Rachel B. says
You never think. It’s clear you don’t have a brain.
Alby says
You missed the prior comment that got removed. Dont get your feathers all ruffled up. But if you do, that’s your right. Birds have brains too and they matter.
Attack says
Hate crime.
Laughing says
Pretty sure medical students of ANY ethnicity would not be assaulting people.
Not just Asians become doctors after all.
ANNON says
ANYONE of that age to assault an older person like that should be shot and killed out here in the desert… That simple. This has nothing to do about race, it’s all about principle and moral’s.
Darwin says
Agreed!
Tyrone says
Guys, sagging pants is an African American Culture thing.. Please dont judge! How would you feel if you were ridiculed for wearing business casual clothing?? Exactly!!.. I respect African Americans who wear saggy pants. Furthermore the chances of this so called African American that is being blamed for robbing and assaulting the old gentleman in the bathroom is false. High probability that the older gentleman fell, his wallet fell out of his pants and the black gentleman being accused of this crime found the wallet and is most likely going to turn it in to the Sheriff’s dept sometime soon after he gets off of work and cares for his family first. The media is blowing this up to make it like only black people do this. Come on guys! BLM!!!
Ron says
This is why im buying a 38. Im going to start packing a rod.
Fishing season says
“Packing a rod”? Great, I think you should consider packing a fishing rod and catching a big fish out at Lake Los Angeles.
Darwin says
I see something like this best believe I’m putting someone down, if your lucky I’ll just pistol whoop you. Not all BLM, then they wonder why they get killed.
give me a break says
All lies! Young black males are not running around robbing and killing people! (see story on main page next to this one) Their lives matter! All this racism against black people is totally unjustified! They were all just on their way to church!