sfpd_arrestcuffs.jpgA man was arrested late Monday afternoon at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco for allegedly grabbing an elderly man and throwing him to the ground in an unprovoked attack, a police spokesman said today.

The attack, which caused life-threatening injuries, was reported at about 4:40 p.m. near the intersection of Jefferson and Mason streets, police said.

A 45-year-old man was apparently practicing karate on the sidewalk when the victim, an 84-year-old man, walked by, police Officer Albie Esparza said.

The man grabbed the victim around the neck and threw him to the ground, Esparza said.

The victim did not know the suspect, and investigators do not know why he was attacked, Esparza said.

The elderly man was taken to a hospital.

Police responded and arrested the suspect after witnesses pointed him out.

The man, whose name has not yet been released, was arrested on suspicion of assault and elder abuse, Esparza said.

Dan McMenamin, Bay City News

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