Arrest Made In Assault Of 90-Year-Old Air Force Veteran

WINTER HAVEN, FL. - A 90-year-old Air Force veteran was assaulted in the parking lot of a Winter Haven Publix, causing him to hit his face on the pavement and striking his head. The force of the fall resulted in the man briefly losing consciousness.

On Friday night, Winter Haven police announced they had made an arrest in the case. Gregory Leonard Krizsan, 24, 350 24th St., NW in Winter Haven was charged with aggravated battery on a person over the age of 65. Krizsan was located at his residence about 4:30 p.m. and was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Polk County Jail.

The incident happened at 4:50 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25. Police released a video of the assault in an effort to find the attacker. The video can be viewed here. Police say the video doesn't show the actual incident due to trees obscuring the scene.

The elderly man was backing his vehicle out of a parking space at the Publix, 1395 6th St NW, when a black 4-door vehicle, possibly a Kia, was driving down the same aisle in the wrong direction. Police say the man looked behind him and it appeared the aisle was clear, but the black vehicle was driving from the opposite direction and the vehicles collided. Both vehicles sustained minor damage.

Both occupants of the black vehicle got out and started cursing and yelling at the veteran. Several customers were walking to and from their cars or driving by during the incident. While bystanders watched, the arguing continued for about six minutes, police said.

One of the occupants from the black vehicle then struck the veteran, causing him to fall on the pavement and strike his head, as he briefly lost consciousness. Both of the occupants started to get back inside the vehicle when a witness attempted to keep them from leaving. The witness was dragged a short distance before falling to the ground as the black vehicle left the scene. The witness was not injured.

The veteran was taken to Winter Haven Hospital where he was admitted for a severe cut to his head and large facial scrapes. Both his hands and arms were scraped and bruised. The injuries are considered non-life-threatening.

Image via Shutterstock; 2nd image via Winter Haven Police