A Red Bluff man is in jail after police said he attacked an elderly man Monday in a restaurant because of the victim's age.
Red Bluff Police say Russell Rodgers, 32, assaulted Bill Bayless, 74, at the Burger King on Antelope Boulevard in Red Bluff on Monday just before 1 p.m.
Bayless told police he and Rodgers were in the bathroom of the restaurant when Rodgers suddenly slammed him in the face with a bathroom stall door, knocking him to the ground.
Rodgers allegedly hit him again with the door, saying "That is what I do to old people."
Just before leaving the victim, Rodgers reportedly added, "I knocked you down because you are old."
Police and deputies located Rodgers in the area a few hours later and arrested him on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and elder abuse.
Investigators say they are familiar with Rodgers, who had been living in a homeless encampment along the Sacramento River bed near Antelope Boulevard. Local citizens have long complained about the encampment, including the associated trash in the area.
Tuesday morning, crews could be seen cleaning and clearing out the area.
