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VICTORVILLE, Calif. – A 52-year-old transient was arrested for attacking an elderly man during an attempted robbery officials said.

On Thursday, March 28, 2019, at around 7:09 a.m. deputies from the Victorville station responded to the report of an assault in the Costco parking lot located at 14555 Valley Center Drive. The 79-year-old victim was walking through the parking lot to get to the bus stop. Richard Rant Leonard, who was released from prison on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS), walked from behind the victim and punched him in his face. The elderly man fell to the ground, dropping his belongings.

“The suspect attempted to take an envelope containing the victim’s money,” said Victorville Station Spokeswoman Mara Rodriguez. “A security guard in the parking lot witnessed the incident and was able to reach the suspect before he could flee. He detained the suspect until deputies arrived.”

The elderly victim sustained injuries including a broken leg and other minor injuries as a result of the attack. He was transported to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Leonard was booked at the High Desert Detention Center for robbery, battery with serious injury, harming an elderly or dependent adult, and violation of felony parole. According to San Bernardino County Court records, Leonard has been convicted of multiple violent crimes including child abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, and attempted false imprisonment. He has also been arrested for violation of his Post Release Community Supervision multiple times.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. He is currently being held without bail.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact Deputy T. Chamberlain or Deputy B. Moreland at the Victorville Police Department at (760) 241-2911 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.