A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent accused of attacking a 72-year-old homeowner and his daughter in Fresno’s Tower District pleaded not guilty on Wednesday.

David Gonzalez III, 32, of McAllen, Texas, faces two felony assault-related charges, felony vandalism, and misdemeanor battery in connection with the Friday, Oct. 9, alleged attack.

The attorney for Gonzalez, Brian C. Andritch of Fresno, also contested the assault and elder abuse charges, contending that this would cause complications in sentencing because it was the same incident on the same victim.

Fresno County Judge Robert Mangano did not allow media to take photographs or video of the suspect in court.

About the Alleged Attack

According to the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, Gonzalez was found sleeping on the front lawn of a Tower District residence early Friday morning.

When the 72-year-old homeowner went outside and asked him to leave, Gonzalez allegedly attacked the man, causing him to fall and suffer visible injuries.

Prosecutors allege Gonzalez also threw the homeowner into a neighbor’s parked vehicle, causing significant damage to the car.

The criminal complaint identifies the damaged vehicle as a Hyundai belonging to Frederick Lisitsa and alleges the damage exceeded $400.

When the homeowner’s daughter intervened to help her father, Gonzalez allegedly attacked her, causing her to fall to the ground, prosecutors said.

Fearing for his safety and that of his daughter, the homeowner fired one round from a legally possessed firearm, striking Gonzalez, according to the district attorney’s office.

Fresno police arrested Gonzalez, who was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

Bond Set, Victims Receive Protective Orders

Prosecutors filed four counts against Gonzalez, including felony assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, felony elder abuse, felony vandalism, and misdemeanor battery.

The criminal complaint identifies the male victim as John Doe and the female victim as Jane Doe.

If convicted on all charges and allegations, Gonzalez faces a maximum sentence of four years and eight months in custody, according to prosecutors.

Gonzalez bond is set at $37,000, the judge ruled. The judge said that if he was to set bond that Gonzalez must agree not to leave the area.

Gonzalez is set to be in court on Oct. 20 for his preliminary hearing. However, a postponement is likely, Gonzalez’s attorney said.

All three victims were granted a protective order.

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