An elderly woman, aged 75, became the victim of a violent attack when a young man struck her on the head with a frying pan as she walked towards her son's home in a condominium located in Sunrise, Broward County. The attack occurred last Tuesday during what was supposed to be a joyous occasion—her birthday celebration with family.
A Day Meant for Celebration Turns Tragic
According to her daughter, Fiorella López, the day began with her mother spending the morning together, before heading over to her son’s residence to continue celebrating her 75th birthday. She parked her vehicle at the condominium’s entrance and started walking towards the house, unaware of the lurking danger.
Fiorella recounted to Telemundo 51 how she noticed a man behaving erratically two houses away and tried to warn her mother with gestures. "She kept walking innocently as my sister signaled warnings to her," López explained. Unfortunately, the warnings went unheeded, and the woman continued on her path.
A neighbor identified as Carlos Hurtado Florez, a 26-year-old of Colombian origin, approached her. "He grabbed her dress, and despite our family shouting, 'Leave her, leave her,' he struck her on the head with a frying pan," López added.
Multiple Victims and Terrifying Moments
The woman's son attempted to defend her but fell victim to the attack as well. "My brother arrived and was also attacked. His head was injured too," López stated. Police confirmed both sustained injuries: the elderly woman had bruises on her face and leg, while her son suffered a severe head injury.
Reports indicate that the attacker first assaulted his own brother at their home, vandalized his brother's car, and then proceeded to attack the elderly woman. The consequences extend beyond physical injuries, leaving the family deeply traumatized.
"My mom has several bruises on her face and leg. My brother's head was split open. We are all dealing with the psychological and emotional damage. We are terrified," Fiorella conveyed to Telemundo 51. She also mentioned her mother's hypertension and anxiety have worsened since the incident. The family remains fearful as long as Florez resides nearby.
"This could have been even worse, and that’s what we fear," Fiorella expressed. "As long as those people live next to my brother, we live in fear… we don’t feel safe," she concluded.
Sunrise police confirmed the arrest of Carlos Hurtado Florez and have launched an investigation. The motives behind the young man's aggressive actions remain unclear.
Details Surrounding the South Florida Attack
Who was involved in the attack?
The attack involved a 75-year-old woman, her son, and the alleged aggressor, Carlos Hurtado Florez.
What were the injuries sustained in the attack?
The elderly woman suffered from bruises on her face and leg, while her son had a severe head injury.
Has the attacker been apprehended?
Yes, Carlos Hurtado Florez was arrested by the Sunrise police and an investigation is underway.