ASU student attacks elderly man in Walmart, police say

BOONE, N.C. — Police said Appalachian State University student Diogenes Gabriel Morales randomly punched a senior citizen at a Boone Walmart on Watauga Village Drive.

Video surveillance showed Morales walk up to the bin in the middle of the aisle and dive into it.

Following that, he stood up and walked down the aisle striking the man as he walked by him.

Morales then slammed both of his hands onto what looks like the victim's head.

Police said the two did not know each other.

Morales studies criminal justice, according to the university directory.

Police said they have no idea what motivated him to do this.

"ASU students are such a big part of this community, and this type of behavior is uncharacteristic. We are shocked that a 21-year-old ASU student would do such a thing," said Chief Dana Crawford. "We are currently working with university officials to address this problem and to determine the motivation behind this attack."

Follow this link for the updated story on the attack.

WSOC