SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- A San Diego man was arrested Saturday after allegedly assaulting an elderly woman at a Central Coast beach parking lot in San Luis Obispo, law officials said.
Morro Bay Police Officers responded to a disturbance call at around 1 p.m. at the Morro Rock parking lot on Coleman Drive, authorities said.
Witnesses told officers that the suspect assaulted an elderly woman and knocked her to the ground. Numerous people witnessed the attack and went to help the victim, according to police.
Officials said the woman was treated by first responders for moderate injuries.
In a press release, officials said Brian Robert Sprinkle, 39, of La Jolla, "was participating in a surf competition when he exited the water and assaulted the woman without provocation."
Sprinkle was booked in the San Luis Obispo County Jail on felony charges of elder abuse and battery, according to Morro Bay police.
Officers also found a firearm with Sprinkle's property and seized it.
It is believed the suspect was under the influence of marijuana and hallucinogenic drugs, police said in a statement.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Morro Bay Police Department (805) 772-6225.
While police say Sprinkle was taking part in the Big, Bad and Ugly surf competition, surf contest organizers tell KSBY News he was not registered with the contest and is not affiliated with any of the surf clubs that participated.
ABC 10News affiliate KSBY News contributed to this report.
