Coral Springs Police arrest 47-year-old man accused of violently shoving an 81-year-old man to the ground outside Coral Square Mall
Coral Springs, Florida – Nearly a month after an elderly man was violently shoved to the ground outside the Coral Square Mall, Coral Springs police have arrested the suspect believed to be responsible for the attack.
According to a recently released police report, 47-year-old Thomas Gleason was taken into custody on July 8 in connection with the June 10 incident that left an 81-year-old man injured. Investigators said they were able to track down Gleason through a combination of surveillance footage from the mall and accounts provided by witnesses who saw the confrontation unfold.
The disturbing event took place just outside the food court area of the mall. The elderly victim had been there with his wife and son when he noticed something suspicious — a black backpack sitting unattended on a trash can. Out of curiosity, he took a look inside the bag. That action apparently set off the suspect, police said.
As the man examined the backpack, Gleason reportedly approached him, began yelling, and then suddenly shoved the elderly man backward with significant force. The impact caused the man to fall and hit his head on the concrete, leaving him with visible swelling and abrasions. He was later treated for his injuries at Broward Health Coral Springs.
Following the altercation, Gleason fled the area on foot, according to police. Witnesses at the scene were able to provide officers with a detailed description of the suspect. They recalled a balding man wearing glasses and dark clothing, carrying a black backpack — the same bag involved in the incident.
Police said one of their officers recognized Gleason from previous encounters. That recognition played a key role in moving the investigation forward. Additionally, the victim’s son was later shown a photo lineup and positively identified Gleason as the man who attacked his father.
Gleason is now facing a felony charge of battery on a person 65 years of age or older. As of Thursday, he remained in custody at the Broward County Jail. Court documents show that he is being held on a $10,000 bond for the charge.
Authorities have not commented on whether Gleason offered any explanation for his actions, nor have they released further details about why the backpack was left unattended in the first place.
The Coral Springs Police Department is continuing its investigation, but for now, they say they are relieved to have the suspect in custody and hope this arrest brings some sense of justice to the victim and his family.
