MIAMI – Miami police arrested a 42-year-old man Thursday who they said battered his father at the victim’s home following an argument last week.
Authorities said they responded to a report of a violent altercation involving a father and his son between 6 and 8 p.m. at the victim’s home located near the 400 block of Northwest 79th Street, in the city’s Little River area on Aug. 2.
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According to an arrest report from the MPD, the victim was abruptly awakened by his son, Joshua Deleon, who demanded that he get up and accompany him.
When the victim refused, police said Deleon struck him across the face multiple times, repeatedly insisting that he leave the home with him.
The father described Deleon as becoming increasingly agitated after the repeated refusals, according to an arrest report.
Following the initial confrontation, police said Deleon left the residence but returned about an hour later, “speaking in tongues,” which the victim could not understand, the report stated.
Police said that’s when Deleon then approached his father, struck him in the chest, forcibly removed his oxygen mask and threatened to kill him if he did not get dressed.
In fear for his life, authorities said the victim managed to grab an oxygen tank and walker and fled the residence.
Police said the victim then sought refuge at a nearby laundromat, where he approached a bystander for help upon spotting Deleon nearby, the report stated.
Jail records show Deleon is facing one count each of assault on a victim 65 years or older and battery on a victim 65 years or older.
As of Friday, he is being held at the Metro West Detention Center, where his bond was set at $10,000.
A motive for the attack remains unclear at this time.
