LAUDERDALE LAKES, FLA. (WSVN) - Broward Sheriff’s Office detectives are asking for the public’s help identifying a man who violently sucker punched another shopper outside a grocery store, leaving the victim seriously injured.
According to investigators, deputies responded around 7:20 p.m. on Oct. 11 to the Aldi grocery store at 3301 North State Road 7 following a reported battery.
Detectives said the suspect argued with the victim inside the store before stepping outside to wait for him.
Surveillance video shows that seconds after the victim exited the store with his dog, the suspect punched him in the face without warning.
The blow caused the victim to fall backward and strike his head, investigators said.
The attack has since left the victim in a coma and permanently damaged.
“You can see on that video the victim suffered a significant and severe injury. Imagine that happening to one of your family members while they’re at the grocery store,” said BSO Spokesperson Carey Codd. “This is an unprovoked and a violent attack.”
BSO released surveillance images and video of the suspect as detectives continue their search. A flyer has also been posted at the entrance of the grocery store.
7News cameras also captured the reward flyer as a mobile billboard.
Deputies also released video of the victim’s brother telling authorities, off camera, the family is stunned.
“He’s a father, he’s a grandfather, he’s a brother, he’s a son and everybody is just devastated,” he said.
Now, the family wants justice for their loved one.
“This is a total nightmare for my family. We’re going through it,” he said. “You have a confrontation with somebody because you have a service animal and then the person stands outside and waits for you and cold cocks you and knocks you unconscious. Let us know who he is so somebody else doesn’t have to go through this nightmare.”
Anyone with information about the suspect’s identity is asked to contact BSO Detective Karina Hernandez at 954-321-4236 or submit a tip through the SaferWatch app.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS or online at browardcrimestoppers.org. Tips leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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