California Man Arrested After Randomly Punching Elderly Victims, Posing for Photo

Nicholas Hostetler, 25, was arrested on Saturday after being identified as the suspect in two separate attacks on elderly men in Campbell, California. In one of the incidents, Hostetler allegedly paused to take a casual photo after punching the victim, leading to his identification by police.

A 25-year-old California man has been arrested after being accused of randomly punching two elderly victims in separate incidents and posing for a casual photo after one of the attacks.

Nicholas Hostetler was identified as the suspect in the two attacks on elderly men in Campbell this month after police released a photo of him taken by one of the victims.

In the first incident on May 4, Hostetler allegedly punched a victim on San Tomas Aquino Road before running away. The victim snapped a photo of Hostetler as he was fleeing the scene, hoping to identify his alleged attacker. Police released the photo on social media and asked the public for help in identifying the suspect.

The second random attack happened Friday morning as a 75-year-old man was taking a walk in Campbell. Hostetler allegedly punched the victim in the face near Inwood Drive and Elam Avenue.

When the 75-year-old man and his family returned to the area a short time later to look for surveillance cameras, they encountered Hostetler again. According to police, Hostetler tried to fight the family before leaving the area.

Officers immediately began searching the area and soon identified Hostetler as the suspect.

Police contacted Hostetler's parents on Saturday morning, and with their help, Hostetler exited his home and was arrested without incident.

As Hostetler was being booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on two counts of elder abuse, he allegedly kicked an officer, authorities said. Hostetler was additionally charged with battery of an officer.

"We cannot thank our community enough for their partnership in incidents like these," the department said in a statement. "We can assure you that our officers are working diligently to investigate these incidents to the full extent."

Hostetler's motive for the attacks is unknown at this time. He is currently being held in jail on $100,000 bail.