What: Detectives are seeking the public's help to identify a suspect who beat a man with a dog chain. When: The crime occurred at about 4:23 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12, 2012. Where: The crime occurred at 3550 58th Avenue North in Lealman. Why/How: According to investigators, the victim had just gotten off a bus and was walking west on the sidewalk at 58th Avenue North, when the suspect, who was riding a scooter, approached him from behind at the above listed address. The two exchanged some words and the suspect began to beat the victim with a dog chain. Even after the victim fell to the ground, the suspect struck him again. The suspect then got back on his scooter and went to nearby Avery Mobile Home Park and left his scooter underneath a mobile home on Lot 98. The victim sustained facial fractures and injuries to the back of his head and ear. He was transported to a local hospital by ambulance. The suspect's description is listed above. Detectives say it is unclear at this time what the verbal discussion between the two men was about. The two men were not known to each other. Anyone with information that may assist detectives in this case is asked to contact Detective Jeff Capra at 727-582-6200; or to remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1800-873-TIPS. Suspect Description: Suspect is described as being possibly Hispanic or Asian male, 25-30 years of age, 5'8- 6′ tall, about 175 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white short sleeve shirt, gray shorts, a white ball cap. He was riding a black Rider scooter. The victim, a male, will not be identified by name at this time, as the suspect is at large.

Crime Crime Stoppers Pinellas Sheriff Sheriff Detectives Suspect PCSO Deputy Pinellas