The owner of a popular Sacramento donut shop is recovering after emergency brain surgery following an attack at his store.
Residents of Tahoe Park are now coming together to support the man who has become a beloved figure in the community.
Village Express Donuts is a local favorite where people stop for a donut and a morning coffee.
“He’s got the best donuts in Sacramento,” said neighbor Eric Baugher. “He’s been here forever.”
But now, the friendly conversations that usually take place at the shop are missing. A few weeks ago, the shop’s owner, Mr. Lee, was attacked by a homeless man.
“[The attacker] tried to come behind the counter, and they got into a struggle. He sustained a head injury during that time,” said Isaac Gonzalez, a member of the Tahoe Park Neighborhood Association.
At first, Lee didn’t think much of the injury. However, doctors later discovered a blood clot, and Lee was rushed into emergency brain surgery.
Gonzalez said this attack is part of a troubling pattern.
“He’s been broken into, vandalized, or had things stolen from his shop dozens of times,” Gonzalez said.
Three years ago, CBS13 reported on a similar incident. But just like before, the community has rallied to support Lee.
“I’m getting messages from people asking what more they can do,” Gonzalez said. “Almost 300 people have donated to the GoFundMe campaign.”
Neighbors are also stepping up to help run the shop while Lee is recovering.
“A lot of people call him dad,” Baugher added.
A worker at the shop said that, as of the latest update, Lee is expected to stay in the hospital for at least two more weeks.
Related Topics: