Law Enforcement searches for man who attacked 70-year-old Agricultural Inspector with sledgehammer near Topaz
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Fri, 08/06/2021 - 9:24am
On August 5, 2021, at approximately 2045 hours, an unknown suspect walked into the back door of the Topaz Agricultural Inspection Station, located on the southbound side of US 395, just south of the California / Nevada State Line.
The suspect entered the office, armed with a small sledgehammer or similar weapon.
The suspect found the victim, a 70-year-old Agriculture Inspector, on duty and in uniform, standing in front of a computer station in the office.
The suspect struck the victim in the back of the head and the left side of the victim’s face, knocking the victim to the ground.
The victim immediately fought off the suspect and regained his footing.
Another on duty Agriculture Inspector ran out into traffic lanes to seek assistance from a passing motorist.
The suspect fled out the side door of the station and ran down the northbound shoulder of US 395, to a vehicle waiting approximately 200 yards south of the station (on the southbound side).
The suspect entered the passenger side of the vehicle and the vehicle fled southbound on US 395.
The victim declined medical aid from Antelope Valley Fire and drove to his home prior to officers arriving.
Upon arrival, Officers canvassed the area and spoke to several witnesses.
The Officers were able to interview the victim later that evening.
The suspect is described as a white male adult, mid 30’s, thin build, approximately 6’ tall, with unkempt/medium length red hair, unshaven, wearing soiled blue jeans, a faded orange t-shirt, tennis shoes and armed with a small sledgehammer or similar blunt object.
There is no vehicle description at this time.
There is no known motive for this assault at this time.
Should the public have any information regarding this suspect or this incident, please contact the California Highway Patrol’s Bishop Inland Communications Center (BICC) at (760) 872-5900 and ask to be placed in contact with Officer Montoya or Sergeant Henderson.
