A retired teacher was seriously injured after six men surrounded and attacked him during a daytime robbery at a Hollywood shopping center over the weekend.
Fouad Mahassine was at a strip mall along La Brea Avenue on Saturday morning, having coffee, when the group approached him. According to Mahassine, one of the men demanded money from him.
When he said he did not have any cash, the situation quickly turned violent.
Mahassine was struck in the head and knocked to the ground. He said the attackers continued kicking him while he was down before taking several of his belongings.
Among the items stolen were his wallet, cellphone and hearing aid, which he said was worth about $400. Losing the hearing aid added another difficulty to an already traumatic experience because he was unable to hear properly afterward.
The attack left Mahassine with multiple injuries, including a brain bleed. He was taken to an emergency room for treatment after the incident.
A nearby man who was sitting in a parked car noticed what was happening and contacted police. The quick call helped bring emergency responders to the scene and get Mahassine medical attention.
The assault has also deeply affected Mahassine’s family. His son, Zachary, said the family was initially unsure about his father’s condition and did not know where he had been taken.
The violence happened in broad daylight in a commercial area, making the attack especially alarming for the victim and his family.
Police are continuing to investigate the robbery and search for the six men involved. A detailed description of the suspects has not been released, and no arrests have been confirmed in the latest available information.
For Mahassine, the incident has left him recovering not only from his physical injuries but also from the shock of being attacked while simply spending part of his morning outside a local business.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify those responsible.
