Florida Man Left in Coma After Being ‘Sucker Punched’ Outside Aldi While Shopping With Service Dog, Deputies Say
LAUDERDALE LAKES, FLORIDA — A routine shopping trip turned into a “total nightmare” for a Florida family after a man was viciously sucker-punched outside an Aldi grocery store, leaving him in a coma, according to authorities.
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office released surveillance footage showing the violent assault that occurred around 7:17 p.m. on October 11 at the Aldi store in Lauderdale Lakes.
Officials say the suspect — still unidentified — waited outside the store for the victim, who had been shopping with his service dog, before launching a sudden and unprovoked attack.
Caught on Camera: Unprovoked Assault Outside Aldi
Inside the store, security footage shows the suspect and the victim exchanging brief words in one of the aisles while the man’s service dog remained on a leash beside him. Moments later, the suspect exited the store and waited near the entrance.
When the victim and his family walked out, the attacker rushed forward and punched the man in the face, sending him crashing backward onto the pavement, police said.
“The victim fell backward and hit his head on the ground, causing significant and serious injuries,” the sheriff’s office reported.
Authorities confirmed the blow caused severe head trauma, and the victim has since been placed in a medically induced coma.
Family Pleads for Justice
The victim’s brother told WPLG Local 10 that the assault has devastated their family.
“This is a total nightmare for my family,” he said. “If somebody knows who this guy is — please come forward so nobody else has to go through this.”
According to Broward Crime Stoppers, the victim has suffered permanent injuries, and detectives believe the attack was entirely unprovoked.
The suspect was captured clearly on surveillance footage wearing a dark shirt and light-colored shorts. After the assault, he fled the scene before deputies arrived.
Investigators Ask for Public’s Help
Authorities are urging anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information about his whereabouts to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at browardcrimestoppers.org.
Anonymous tips leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward, investigators added.
“This was a cowardly and senseless act of violence,” a department spokesperson said. “We’re determined to identify and arrest the person responsible.”
Violent assaults in public spaces continue to raise safety concerns across South Florida, particularly in high-traffic areas such as grocery stores and parking lots.
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