Police: Teen wanted after beating elderly man with bat in California

SANTA ANA, CA -- A teenage suspect is still at large and considered armed and dangerous after police said he beat an elderly man with a bat in California.

Surveillance video showed 72-year-old Jose Chacon reaching into his truck bed to grab what looked like a metal pipe on Sunday at about 7:25pm in Santa Ana.

Santa Ana police said Chacon was trying to defend himself from 18-year-old Samuel Alvarez, who charged after him with an aluminum bat.

The video showed Alvarez hit Chacon several times with the bat, knocking him to the ground, according to police.

"He's truly loved and adored. We miss him at home and it's really, really hard to see him in the state that he's in," Vanessa Chacon-Johnson, Chacon's daughter said.

Police said the incident started when Chacon tripped and fell at a gas station parking lot.

"When he trips, he hits the suspect's vehicle. The suspect immediately comes out of his car and starts yelling and screaming at the victim," Cpl. Anthony Bertagna, with the Santa Ana Police Department said.

That's when police said Alvarez grabbed a bat and went after Chacon.

Chacon's family said he has numerous broken bones in his face and body and is going to undergo surgery.

Police said they need the public's help finding Alvarez. Officials stated he is wanted in another case and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Detectives said they're investigating the attack of Chacon as an attempted murder. Chacon's family was focused on his recovery and said they're still in disbelief that someone could do this.

"Never believe that this would happen to him, or anyone else, especially at his age. That someone could be that ruthless," Chacon-Johnson said.

If you have any information about Alvarez's whereabouts, you're urged to call Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-847-6227. Callers can remain anonymous.