A 70-year-old Sikh man was brutally assaulted by an unknown person in the North Hollywood region of the US, leading to the arrest of a suspect.
The attacker targeted Harpal Singh with a golf club while he was walking near the gurdwara in the Lankershim Boulevard area of Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles police identified the suspect as Bo Richard Vitagliano, 44, reported ABC7.
He was being held on bail of USD 1.115 million, according to jail records quoted by the news channel.
Police said he was arrested when officers spotted him riding his bicycle on Lankershim Boulevard and Arminta Street.
Police mentioned that the footage of the person captured on the surveillance camera helped in his arrest.
The Sikh American civil rights group SALDEF stated that Singh remained in the ICU after undergoing multiple surgeries to his head and face.
“At this moment, our hearts are with Mr. Singh and his loved ones,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF.
“We do not yet know whether this was a hate-motivated attack, but we do know that no one should fear for their safety in their community. Guided by Sikh values of nyay (justice), seva (selfless care), and Sarbat da Bhalla (the welfare of all), our focus must be on care, safety, and ensuring a full and thorough investigation,” Gill said.
