Bystanders Capture Man Held in Assault
HUNTINGTON BEACH — A woman loading groceries into her car was attacked Tuesday night, but two bystanders restrained the alleged assailant and held him for police.
Michael Joseph Hunt, 28, described as a transient, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in the attack on a 36-year-old Huntington Beach woman.
He is suspected of pushing her into her car and trying to strangle her with his hands and a chain, Police Lt. Patrick Gildea said.
Greg Ibbetson of Huntington Beach and another unidentified person came to the woman’s rescue, police said, and turned the suspect over to police.
The incident took place in the parking lot of a grocery store at 19649 Beach Blvd. about 7:45 p.m., police said.
Lt. Ed McErlain said police believe that robbery was the motive.
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