Lion cubs give Ma reason to roar Savage beating in Bx.
A 54-year-old auto mechanic on his way to church in the Bronx was set upon randomly by a crazed attacker and nearly beaten to death in a horrifying blitz caught on video.
Juan Guzman Sr. was walking down Morris Ave. near Fillmore St. in Van Nest about 7:20 p.m. Aug. 31 when his attacker came at him.
Clad in bright red pants and a black T-shirt with white sleeves, the assailant pounded his fists into Guzman’s face, video released by police shows. The suspect punched him at least seven more times. He then took off, ending the assault as suddenly as it began.
Medics rushed Guzman to Jacobi Medical Center with severe head trauma and a broken jaw, authorities said.
A family friend who heard about what happened frantically called Guzman’s 28-year-old son, Juan Jr., and said his dad may have been attacked. “She called me crying about what happened,” Guzman Jr. said.
Guzman Jr. rushed to the auto body shop where his father works, then started calling hospitals. It took him three days to find his dad at Jacobi, where he was semi-conscious, his swollen face a landscape of scabs, cuts and bruises.
Guzman Sr. underwent several surgeries, including one that spanned 10 hours. He may suffer lasting effects from the head trauma, said his son.
“He’s unable to speak right now. He says a few words,” Guzman Jr. said. “He’s getting better. It’s going to take him months to recover.”
Guzman Jr. said he doesn’t know what sparked the attack. “He’s a hard-working guy, he’s a humble guy,” he said of his dad. “He goes from work to home to church.”
“I just want justice,” the son added. “I know it’s a little difficult for the cops right now. I’m hoping someone comes forward and points his finger and says, ‘This guy did it.’ ”