Smith is suspected of attacking Doug David at the intersection of Frenchman and Decatur on October 15. He was left paralyzed from the attack. Family and friends of the 64-year-old say he has made dozens of trips here to New Orleans. The New Orleans’ hospitality industry and City Councilmember Susan Guidry who visited David in the hospital have also been touched by his plight.
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David said he was nearly hit by a vehicle, so he threw his can of beer at the roof of the auto. “And he didn’t like it. And he got out and hit me pretty hard”. David said a man got out of the auto and punched him several times in the face and head. He told police that after the beating, all he remembered was waking up and not being able to feel his arms and legs.
Police announced Tuesday they are looking for 30-year-old Christopher Smith in connection with the investigation.
Stephen Simpson, La Jolla photographer and a friend of David’s, is using a crowd-funding site to collect donations for the medical flight back to San Diego, with a funding goal of $10,000.
As for David’s recovery, he says he will remain in the hospital for a few more days then be transferred to another recovery medical facility.
But police said when the officer arrived 40 minutes later, both the witness and the victim were gone.
Smith, 30, is wanted for Second Degree Battery.
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The incident was originally classified as “unfounded” after police found no victim or suspect at the scene of the beating. Then he hopes to return home to the San Diego area. And a small black auto with Louisiana license plate X-Q-T-1-9-9.
