Ceres police respond to assault on 65-year-old, find suspect crying uncontrollably

When Ceres Police responded to an assault on an elderly man inside a business Saturday morning they found the suspect outside crying uncontrollably.

The 65-year-old victim was sitting at a table inside the business looking at his phone when the suspect came in and punched him three times, according to Sgt. Jose Berber. The suspect and the victim did not know each other.

The business is in a strip mall on Mitchell Road but Berber did not know what type of business it is.

Two witnesses called 911 following the assault and officers arrived to find the suspect, along with his girlfriend, crying outside the business. He cooperated with officers and told them he was experiencing a “psychological disorder” but he offered no other explanation for his actions, Berber said.

Ricardo De La Cruz, 25, was arrested on suspicion of elder abuse and battery.

The victim complained of pain to his head, chest and face but declined medical treatment.

This story was originally published November 7, 2016 at 4:34 PM with the headline "Ceres police respond to assault on 65-year-old, find suspect crying uncontrollably."