Update: Suspect faces three charges after alleged unprovoked attack on elderly man

Police arrested a 37-year-old man after an alleged unprovoked attack on an elderly Asian man in the Inner Sunset neighborhood Wednesday evening.

As we reported from the scene Wednesday, the incident occurred around 7 p.m. near 9th Avenue and Irving Street, about a block south of Golden Gate Park. Police responded to reports of an assault and discovered an 81-year-old man suffering from non-life-threatening injuries and officers called for medical assistance.

The suspect, who had been detained by a passerby prior to officers’ arrival, was detained in handcuffs without incident.

Police said Thursday their investigation determined the suspect had assaulted the man, who was found in a dazed state after being knocked to the ground. Nearby witnesses had helped the victim to a chair near the front of The Beanery before officers arrived. The victim was transported to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.

In cellphone footage captured after incident, officers can be heard saying that “he is waking up” and that “he got hit pretty hard on the head.”

The suspect was later transported to San Francisco County Jail and booked on three charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, battery causing serious bodily injury and elder abuse.

Police spokesman Officer Adam Lobsinger said Thursday that there is no evidence at this time that the incident was a hate crime.

The investigation is active and anyone with information is asked to call the SFPD Tip Line at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411, beginning the message with SFPD. Tips can remain anonymous.

Thomas K. Pendergast of SFBay contributed to this report.