Teen suspected of punching elderly man in face at Valencia Park

VALENCIA, Calif. (KABC) -- A man was arrested on suspicion of elderly abuse after authorities said he punched an older man for asking him to stop smoking at a Valencia park.

Authorities responded to the 23700 block of Via Gavola around 2:15 p.m. A 71-year-old man told authorities he had asked a group of teenagers to stop smoking near children in the park when out of nowhere he was punched in the face.

The man added that the group had taunted him after he'd requested they stop smoking. After the man was punched, the suspect fled the scene.

Authorities investigated the incident and identified the suspect as an 18-year-old named Tanner Smith. He was found and then taken into custody on suspicion of battery and elderly abuse.