Pasadena attack: Homeless man arrested for allegedly punching 86-year-old woman in unprovoked attack

PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) — A homeless man was arrested after he allegedly punched an 86-year-old woman in an unprovoked attack in Pasadena– say the police.

The attack occurred Saturday around 2 p.m. near Fair Oaks Avenue and Green Street.

Police say the woman and her friend were trying to catch a bus and get lunch. However, witnesses claim that a man approached the victim and hit her without warning.

Emergency services found the victim conscious but unresponsive. Her condition is stable and she is in hospital, but she suffered serious injuries.

“It was completely unprovoked,” Pasadena Police Lt. Monica Cuellar said of the attack.

Michael Vigil, 40, was arrested for assault. He was arrested on three charges, including battery and elder abuse. His bail was set at just over $1 million.

Police say Vigil is currently uninhabited.

Police thank the community for their help in locating Vigil within minutes, close to where the robbery took place.

Residents in the area say they are concerned about the attack.

“It’s hard enough being a woman walking alone at night, but knowing that assaults are happening so close to me makes me want to be more aware,” said Nyah Toomes, who works in the area.

Others expressed concern about the homeless problem.

“I think it’s an unusual phenomenon,” said Pasadena resident Nan Merrit. “It’s not something that happens every day, thank God. I really feel bad for those who don’t have a secure home in Pasadena. We have a big problem.”