Police: Men attacked 83-year-old at bus bench

Costa Mesa police have arrested two brothers on suspicion of attacking an 83-year-old Irvine woman, authorities said Tuesday.

Costa Mesa residents Paul and Ciprian Patrulescu, 30 and 29, respectively, allegedly punched the woman early Saturday morning after she repeatedly refused their offers to buy her dinner, according to Lt. Paul Dondero.

Police said the men had been drinking earlier in the night when they came upon the octogenarian just before 4 a.m. at a bus bench near Harbor Boulevard and Baker Street.

The woman repeatedly asked to be left alone, but one of the men put his arm around her, Dondero said. When she pushed the man away, she was punched, suffering bruises and an injury to her eye. It was unclear whether one or both of the men attacked the woman.

She was treated for her injuries at the scene, but declined to be taken to the hospital.

A passing motorist witnessed the incident and contacted police, who arrested the men near the scene.

Both men were arrested on suspicion of committing battery resulting in serious bodily injury, conspiracy to commit a crime, and elder abuse. They were held in lieu of $50,000 bail, Dondero said.

— Lauren Williams

Twitter: @lawilliams30