Man brutally attacked on downtown street while simply standing there

SEATTLE – Police say a man just standing on the sidewalk in downtown was attacked by, punched in the face and knocked to the ground by someone unknown to him with no provocation.

The random and frightening attack happened at 3rd Ave and James Street just before noon Thursday.

Police say the attacker stole a cigarette from the other man and then simply walked away.

Officers were able to track down and arrest a person they believe to be the attacker as he walked into a building in the 500 block of 3rd Ave.

As for the victim of the attack he was rushed to Harborview Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries.  That man is in his 30’s.

While the man suspected in the attack is in custody, police have many questions about why this happened and their investigation is on-going.

Prosecutors must now decide if they will formally charge the accused attacker.  He’s being held in the King County Jail for investigation of robbery.