Tom Pattison said his doctor told him he's lucky to be alive after he was attacked by a man he never met at Great Lakes Mall in Mentor.
Mentor police say Pattison was attacked at 1:30 in the afternoon on July 9 while he was walking through the mall with his brother.
"I felt was a lightening bolt in my spine, and then I was knocked out," said Pattison. "The man just slammed me in the back so hard I would have fell on the ground."
Fortunately Pattison's brother Mike was able to catch his brother and stop him from falling down on the floor after the attack.
Pattison explained he quickly alerted mall security about the incident, but said the female security guard didn't give chase as the suspect walked out.
"She said I don't know what to do, I don't know what to do, I better get my supervisor on the phone,' explained Pattison. "By the time she got her supervisor on the phone he was gone."
Pattison believes she could have at least followed the suspect and got the licenses plate number of his vehicle.
Meanwhile Pattison praised the Mentor Police Department, as investigators went from store to store and obtained security camera video and pictures of the suspect.
Police were also able to contact witnesses through social media.
Mentor police told newsnet5.com they have a good idea who they are looking for.
Great Lakes Mall issued the following statement:
“The well-being of our shoppers is our top priority. Great Lakes Mall does not tolerate violence of any kind and is working closely with the Mentor Police Department as they investigate this isolated incident. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Mentor Police Department at 440-255-1234.”
Pattison said he is now scheduled for multiple MRI's to determine if he has any broken bones or internal injuries.
The 65 year old already suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and severe spinal degeneration.
"My doctor said two inches more I'd be dead, so he could be facing murder right now if two more inches," said Pattison.
Police said if the suspect is caught he could face a charge of felonious assault.
