Authorities say a California man randomly punched two elderly victims in separate incidents and casually took a photo after one of the incidents.
Nicholas Hosteter, 25, was arrested Saturday morning by Campbell Police Department after investigators say he is suspected of being involved in Friday’s random attack and the May 4 attack.
In the first attack, Hosteter allegedly punched someone on San Tomas Aquino Street, posed for a photograph taken by the victim and then fled the scene, police said.
Video recorded by the suspect shows him smiling nonchalantly at the camera with his hands in his pockets.
He reportedly punched the man in the stomach on San Tomas Aquino Street and fled, stopping to take this photo before continuing on his way. Campbell Police Departmentasking for identification pic.twitter.com/S3ndxjMZo4
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) May 17, 2024
Police published images on social media in an attempt to identify the suspect, but were unable to trace him before he allegedly attacked again.
According to Chicago police, a 75-year-old man was walking near Inwood Drive and Elam Avenue when Hosteter allegedly punched him in the face.
The victim returned to the area with his family, and Hosteter “attempted to fight with them before leaving,” the report said. press release.
Police “immediately” began searching for the suspect and contacted his parents the following morning.
“With their assistance, Hosteter left the residence and was subsequently arrested without further incident,” Chicago police said in a statement.
Hosteter was being held in the Santa Clara County Jail on two counts of elder abuse and was also charged with an additional count of assault for allegedly kicking an officer.
“We can’t thank the local community enough for their cooperation in these cases, and officers work diligently to investigate these incidents to the best of their ability,” police said.
