An elderly man was assaulted Tuesday afternoon while attempting to use a restroom at St. Francis Memorial Hospital, police said.

The 67-year-old was reportedly followed into the first-floor bathroom by a man identified by police as 41-year-old Damon Walker. When the victim entered a stall, the suspect grabbed him by the neck from behind and dragged him out, police said.

Walker allegedly screamed at the man and demanded money as he repeatedly punched him in the head. Hospital security responded after hearing screams, police said. Walker reportedly fled, but security personnel were able to detain him until police arrived.

“It’s a really bold move to attack and rob someone in a hospital when there are surveillance cameras and security all around,” police Officer Albie Esparza said.

Walker was arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse and robbery, along with a probation violation. Although he did not use a weapon during the assault, police said, Walker was charged with assault with a deadly weapon due to the nature of the crime.

“A lot of times someone doesn’t have to have an actual weapon to be charged with using one during an assault,” Esparza said. “In this case, the suspect was significantly younger and much taller, which is why we gave him that charge.”

The victim was treated at the hospital for fractures to his face.

ccopeland@sfexaminer.com