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Police Seek Suspect Accused Of Attacking Grass Valley Woman Outside Church

GRASS VALLEY (CBS13) — A manhunt is underway for the man who attacked a 78-year-old woman outside a Grass Valley church.

Police released a surveillance photo of the suspect, Alan Kierkegaard, who is believed to be a homeless man in his 50s. Several churchgoers told police the man had been hanging around outside the church for about a week.

The alleged attack happened on Sunday morning outside of St. Patrick's church where Mary Tassone, 78, was struck on the head with a blunt object.

Tassone's 2013 gray Honda Accord was taken. The California license plate is 6ZHX462.

grass valley plates

Police don't know if the suspect had ever spoken to Tassone before the attack.

Tassone is a long-time volunteer at the church and is well-known in the community.

Her family says her condition is the same as it was yesterday, critical in the intensive care unit. They're encouraged by the fact police have named a suspect and hope he will be caught. =

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