The motive of the assault is unknown, but it is assumed the thugs took exception to the Belgrade licence plates of the car that had just arrived at a Sesvete parking area. They damaged the car by hitting it with their hands and feet. Inside were the 80-year-old man, his 74-year-old wife and 47-year-old daughter.
One of the thugs smashed the rear window after which the father came out but was hit on the back, probably with a brick, as well as kicked. The man then went inside the car, after which one of thugs pulled off the rear licence plate and ran away with the others.
The elderly man was treated at the Sesvete police station. His identity was not revealed.