91-year-old man attacked with rock while visiting wife's gravesite in Santa Clara

SANTA CLARA, Calf. (KGO) -- The search is on for a suspect who allegedly attacked a 91-year-old man with a rock while he was visiting his wife's grave at Mission City Memorial Park in Santa Clara.

"This is an unprovoked and ruthless attack, on one of the most vulnerable members of our society," says Captain Wahid Kazem, with the Santa Clara Police Department.

Captain Kazem says it happened around 10:45 am on Saturday.

"It's something that he does, almost on a daily basis, fairly religiously. He even brings a lawn chair. Sits by her side. And spends some time there with her," says Capt. Kazem.

He says some visitors at the cemetery saw the attack and were able to call 911. They were also able to help police put together a composite sketch and suspect description.

The suspect is described as possibly Hispanic or Latino, between 35 and 50-years-old, approximately 5'9" to 6'0" tall and with a medium build. He has grey, slicked-back hair and a grey mustache. He was wearing a white t-shirt with long black shorts. He was last seen riding a grey and black mountain bike.

"It's completely unacceptable. And we are at the point where we are challenging the public to help us identify and locate the person responsible for this," says Kazem.

According to Capt. Kazem, the suspect also stole some the man's personal belongings, but police say they can't comment on what was stolen to protect their investigation.

Kellan Koke, who lives in the neighborhood, says the memorial park is quiet, and nice place to walk his dogs. He says he can't believe anyone would attack a 91-year-old man.

"To pick on someone of that age, or any age, actually, I think it's disgusting, to be honest," says Koke.

Kyle Safford, the owner of Cypress Granite and Memorials, says he and his crew are out at the cemetery on a weekly basis installing tombstones. He says the cemetery is very peaceful with lots of families who come out to pay respects to their loved ones.

"I didn't anything like that would happen around a cemetery. Usually, people are pretty respectful when they come to places like this," says Safford.

Police say they still don't know if the attack was random or if the man was targeted.

Anyone with information regarding this crime, including any video capturing the streets surrounding Mission City Memorial Park, is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Nick Richards at (408) 615-4814 or anonymously at (408) 615-4TIP (4847).