Elderly man saves roommates from suspected attacker

LITTLEROCK, Calif. (KABC) -- An elderly man saved his roommates after fighting off a suspected assailant Saturday night, Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies said.

John Tutson, 36, is suspected of attacking an elderly man and a disabled woman at a home in the 16700 block of Pearblossom Highway in Littlerock.

LASD deputies with the Palmdale Sheriff's Station received the call around 10:30 p.m.

A 70-year-old man living in the home ended up knocking Tutson unconscious after hitting him over the head with the butt of a rifle, authorities said.

The witness and rescuer said Tutson forced his way into the victims' home and began yelling, cursing and challenging them to a fight. When the 55-year-old female resident, who is in a wheelchair, ordered Tutson to leave, he grabbed her by the hair and threw her to the ground.

Tutson then proceeded to remove his clothing, the witness said, and attacked the 80-year-old male resident with punches and then placed him in a chokehold.

That is when the witness used the butt of the rifle to subdue Tutson.

During the preliminary investigation, authorities learned that Tutson was an acquaintance of the victims and had borrowed tools earlier that day to work on his car.

Tutson was transported to a local hospital for treatment and remained under observation. Because of his injuries, he was not immediately booked into the Palmdale Station. The victims were treated at the scene.

The case is being investigated by the Palmdale Station Detective Bureau.