Assault Suspect Apprehended After Violent Attack on Elderly Victim

On the afternoon of October 4, 2023, a horrifying incident unfolded in the 100 block of Rockwood Avenue, as officers rushed to respond to a violent assault that left a 66-year-old Calexico resident in distress.

The victim, who relies on a walker for mobility, became the target of a vicious attack by an assailant, resulting in a brutal confrontation. The suspect repeatedly struck the elderly victim in the head and forcibly seized the walker from him. To make matters worse, the attacker callously hurled the walker at the victim, shattering it in the process.

However, in the face of this shocking assault, quick thinking from a vigilant witness led to crucial evidence. This observant bystander managed to snap photographs of the assailant, providing investigators with a vital lead.

Members of the Imperial County District Attorney's Office, who were coincidentally present in the area for an unrelated matter, spotted the suspect in the 100 block of Paulin Avenue. They promptly coordinated with Calexico police to facilitate the apprehension of the assailant.

The alleged attacker, identified as 49-year-old Moreno Valley resident Francisco Javier DeLeon, now faces a litany of charges. DeLeon has been booked into county jail on counts of assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, elder abuse, and vandalism.

This incident underscores the importance of community vigilance and swift law enforcement response in addressing acts of violence. The victim, though traumatized, can find some solace in knowing that justice is being pursued.

Local authorities continue to investigate this case, ensuring that the safety and security of the community remain paramount. As the legal proceedings progress, our thoughts are with the victim, and we anticipate further developments in the pursuit of justice.