Good Samaritan Gives Vet Beaten with Walker a Helping Hand

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — An elderly man attacked and beaten with his own walker outside a St. Petersburg Walmart last week doesn’t stand alone as he recovers from the crime.

A man, who only identified himself only as Tom, walked into the St. Petersburg Police Department Wednesday and said he wanted to donate $600 to help Jeffery Hardeman, 66, a disabled Army veteran recover.

Tom wouldn’t say much more, St. Petersburg Police reported in an email to media. But, he did leave an envelope with $600 cash behind and a simple note:

From 1 vet to another hope this makes things better

The act of kindness was prompted by stories about the Sept. 2 attack on Hardeman. Police say Hardeman was using a walker to get to the front of the 201 34th St. N. Walmart around 1 p.m. Sept. 2 when a younger man approached him and asked for the time.

See also: Elderly Man Beaten with Walker Outside St. Pete Walmart

“The younger man then put the elderly man in a choke hold, threw the elderly man to the ground and began punching him,” the email said. “The younger man also used the elderly man's walker to proceed to beat the elderly man.”

After getting the victim’s wallet, cash and other personal items, police say the attacker ran to a blue Dodge Durango and drove off. A witness later told police the license plate may have started with the letters GKA.

As the search for the man responsible for the attack continues, police plan to present Hardeman with the gift left behind by Tom on Thursday. Another good Samaritan also donated a walker to replace the one stolen in the attack, Fox 13 reported.

Shortly after St. Petersburg Police announced the first $600 donation, authorities say Joseph M. Abolafia, a retired New York police officer, paid the station a visit and wrote a personal check to Hardeman for $600, as well.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call the police department at 727-893-7780.

Image via Shutterstock