Man Raising Money To Save State Parks Beaten In South Sacramento

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - An activist going door-to-door trying to raise money to save California's state parks was attacked by a barefoot homeowner in South Sacramento.

While many people don't like door-to-door solicitors, they don't often resort to violence.

However, that was not the case Tuesday evening when Chris Grahl knocked on the door of one home near El Granero Way. Grahl says he turned around to leave when no one answered and that's when he was hit from behind.

"He came at me barefoot, he was completely barefoot," said Grahl whose arm is till in a sling from the attack. "I turned around to leave his property and that's when he struck me twice with a two by four on the back of my shoulder."

Chris, an environmental activist who has knocked on thousands of doors, says his attacker suddenly emerged from a side fence. As Chris ran away and tried to call for help, the suspect followed.

"And as I was running away on the phone with cops, he was trying to strike me more," said Grahl. He says you can actually see the outline of the board left on his skin along with bone and muscle bruising.

The homeowner, 32-year-old Jiong Lu, was arrested for the attack. Neighbors tell CBS13 Lu has been known for some odd behavior including throwing frozen packages of condiments at homes.

Grahl says he plans to press charges.