SAN MATEO, Calif. (Next Stamina) — San Mateo police arrested a man Saturday, April 11, after an 83-year-old victim was physically attacked from behind while walking home from a park.

Officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Laurel Avenue at 7:34 p.m. following reports of the assault.

The victim sustained visible injuries to his face and head and was transported to a local hospital for recovery, according to a department statement. While the victim could not provide specific details, two witnesses reported seeing a suspect flee into a nearby apartment complex.

Using the Real Time Information Center (RTIC), a police dispatcher identified a possible suspect associated with the apartment complex who matched witness descriptions. Officers familiar with the individual identified him as Quinn Johns.

After making contact with Johns, police said both witnesses confirmed he was the individual seen running from the scene. While security footage did not record the assault, investigators said the video placed Johns in the area at the time of the incident.

Police addressed claims regarding the nature of the attack, stating there is no merit to suggestions of a hate crime. Johns was not charged with a hate crime.

Investigators characterized the attack as random. According to the department statement, Johns allegedly “took the anger and frustration he was experiencing at home out on the first person he saw.”

Johns was arrested and booked into the San Mateo County Jail.

Officials encouraged those struggling with anger or mental health issues to contact San Mateo County Behavioral Health or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.