A tree-lined street bustling with homes and businesses was the scene of the brutal attack. An 82-year-old man was taking his daily morning walk when police say he came across 51-year-old Benyamin Yengibaryan.
"What we learned is this was totally unprovoked. For unknown reasons, to this day we don't know why this individual attacked this person," said Glendale Police Sgt. Tom Lorenz.
Lorenz says Yengibaryan punched the elderly man in the face, kicked him when he was on the ground, then tried to jam his thumbs into his eye sockets.
"There were statements made by witnesses who came to the aid of the elderly man, pulling him off, that this guy was making statements that he had to kill this guy, that he didn't like him," said Lorenz.
Yengibaryan has been charged with attempted murder and attempted mayhem. He made his first court appearance Thursday, where he entered a plea of not guilty. His bail was set at $1 million.
The attack happened Tuesday morning at about 8 a.m. near the intersection of Windsor and Central.
Police say the victim remains hospitalized with cuts to his face and eyes.
Yengibaryan is due back in court on Jan. 17.
