Vet beaten, robbed at San Bernardino gas station; suspects sought

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KABC) -- A 78-year-old veteran was beaten and robbed at a San Bernardino gas station. The incident was caught on tape, and the two suspects remain on the loose.

The assault happened at a Shell gas station on West Highland Avenue near the 215 Freeway on June 24.

"It happened so quick, that I didn't have time to react to it," said John Faust.

He stopped for gas at 4:15 a.m. before driving to La Jolla for work. Surveillance video clearly shows to men walking up to the pumps while Faust puts on the gas cap.

"I remember the guy clearly telling me, 'Give me your wallet.' And the next thing I know I was laying on the ground," Faust said.

Before Faust could respond, the second suspect, also armed with a handgun, came up from behind and swung his fist into the former Marine's face. Faust went down hard. The suspects reached into his pockets and stole his wallet, then ran away.

The gas station attendant did not witness the assault and robbery, but another customer pulled in and called police.

"It makes you realize you got to be more careful of what's going on around you," Faust said.

Faust was hospitalized for three days. Doctors kept him for observation because he had a concussion.

Police have not yet caught the suspects. They both had hoodies on over their baseball hats, concealing their faces.

Faust believes the suspects will target someone else, and he hopes that time will be their last time.

"They're going to pick on somebody a little bit younger than I am, a little bit more coordinated, and they're going to end up in a world of hurt," he said. "And more power to the guy that does it to them."

Anyone with information about the suspects is urged to call San Bernardino Police.