NORTH HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (WPVI) -- A 71-year-old ice cream vendor, who was beaten and robbed in North Hollywood last month, had a very sweet Thanksgiving, thanks to hundreds of generous donors.
David Juan Martinez was presented with a check on Thursday for $87,054. The money was donated to a GoFundMe account by people touched by his story.
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Martinez had just finished selling ice cream on Oct. 11 and was walking home, pushing his cart along Vanowen Street near Lemp Avenue - a route he'd taken every day for 30 years.
He said two men approached him, said something and punched him several times in the face. The suspects stole $80 from Martinez's pocket and fled.
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Martinez's family members said they didn't find out about the beating and robbery until the next morning. He told them he didn't want to bother anybody.
He suffered a broken nose and several bruises. Martinez's daughter-in-law started the GoFundMe account, saying she feared for his safety and wanted him to retire.