Elderly man was attacked for unknown reason by 23-year-old parolee in Visalia
VISALIA – One Visalia parolee is on his way back to the big house after beating an elderly man half to death last Tuesday, March 3.
According to the Visalia Police Department, Hector Antonio Perez Rios, 23, beat an 87-year-old man to the point where he was unresponsive. Police say they were dispatched to W. Noble Avenue at 7:41 p.m. regarding a fight in progress. When officers arrived they located the man lying in the street. The victim had suffered a significant head injury and was transported to an area hospital where he is listed in critical condition.
Witnesses identified Rios, of Visalia, as the person who committed this crime. Rios was found a short distance from the scene and was taken into custody without incident. It was learned Rios began punching the elderly male for no apparent reason, causing the victim to fall in the street. The suspect walked away briefly, only to return within seconds to kick the victim in the head. The motive for this incident is unknown. Rios was found to be on parole.
He was transported to the Tulare County adult pre-trial facility where he was booked. After further investigation by detectives assigned to the violent crimes unit, the charges were amended from assault with a deadly weapon and elder abuse to attempted murder and felony elder abuse along with the parole violation.
