The tranquility of a South Florida bus commute was shattered when an elderly man was the target of a brutal attack and theft, stirring a call for assistance from local law enforcement. According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), they seek the public’s help in tracking down the individual responsible for assaulting and robbing a senior citizen aboard a Broward County Transit bus. The disturbing incident took place on March 5 around 12:39 p.m. near S.W. 12th Avenue, as reported by CBS12 News.
Witnesses aboard the bus described how the unassuming victim was sitting quietly before a man, unprovoked, berated him with profanities and subsequently launched an assault. The altercation prompted the bus driver to stop the vehicle and instruct passengers to evacuate. It was during this moment when the elderly individual approached the driver to inquire about the stop that he was attacked, the attacker then fled—leaving the victim unconscious and robbed of his cellphone. As reported by WSVN, the victim was later attended by emergency services and transported to Broward Health North, carrying multiple injuries.
The aggressor, who is currently at large, has been detailed by authorities as a male in his 30s, about 5 feet 6 inches in height, and weighing around 160 pounds. At the time of the incident, he sported a white long-sleeve jacket, black shirt, and black shorts. Photos and descriptions from the BSO have been disseminated in the hopes that members of the public can aid in his identification and apprehension.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office is requesting anyone with knowledge of the incident or the suspect to step forward. Detective Francine Yap can be directly contacted at 954-786-4283 with any pertinent information. Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted to Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477), as per information obtained by CBS12 News.
