Police: Robber attacks man in McDonald's bathroom, fractures back

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Gwinnett County police are looking for a man they say attacked a man in a restroom.
 
Investigators told Channel 2's Tony Thomas the 74-year-old victim is now in critical condition due to complications from the attack.
 
It happened during the noon hour Friday at a busy McDonald's on Indian Trail Road. Police said they have surveillance video of the assailant and are asking for the public's help in finding him.
 
The video shows the robber following the victim into the restroom. A few seconds later, the victim said, the man tried to grab his wallet.
 
A police report details how when the victim tried to turn around, the assailant told him to shut up and pushed him to the ground.
 
"Knocked our victim to the floor," said Cpl. Jake Smith of the Gwinnett County Police Department. "His back was actually fractured in the fall. Somebody else may not have been injured as severely but he is 74 years old and he was not physically prepared to be knocked down and attacked the way he was."
 
Detectives said the video shows the assailant then leaving the restroom, hiding the victim's wallet in his clothes. He then picks up a food tray, carries the garbage to the trash and leaves.
 
Police hope the video helps them identify the man.
 
"I just had all three of children in the bathroom by themselves in that restaurant," Elyse Ferrell told Thomas. "That's where you take your kids. We come here after school to get a snack."
 
Police told Thomas the victim went into have surgery for a fractured back and his lungs were punctured.
 
Detectives said the assailant left the restaurant on foot and has been seen at the McDonalds before.

Anyone with information about the robber's whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477.

WSBTV