Garland man attacked at ATM

A well-known Garland business owner and Marine veteran became the victim of a violent attack.

It happened on Broadway near a main drag near Colonel Drive.

The business owner, Tony Rodriguez, was pummeled at the start of evening rush hour on Monday.

“Before you know it, I was on the ground,” said Rodriguez. “I felt a hard punch to my head.”

The 57-year-old father of three was making his usual deposit at a Bank of America ATM just half a block away the hair salon he owns.

He had just walked up, and before the machine could accept the first bill, “I remember the words: ‘Give me your money! Give me your money!’ from far away,” said Rodriguez. “And I would not let go of the cash and they kept pounding and pounding.”

Rodriguez, a Marine veteran who served seven years and proudly displays his staff sergeant stripes, didn't have a fighting chance.

He couldn't see much, but believes he was attacked by several teens in a red truck. He was hit repeatedly with a hard object that split his forehead and fractured his arm before the suspects drove off.

“I'm waving my hand, but at the same time, I'm pouring down blood,” said Rodriguez.

“People are looking at you and just driving by?” said FOX 4’s Natalie Solis.

“Yes,” said Rodriguez. “I was asking for help. I was asking for a hand and no one…was there.”

One woman finally jumped in and called 911

Rodriguez knows that his customers, employees and family depend on him, so he's back at work, sore and shaken. Now, he has a message. 

“It's just a matter of spreading the news to be careful, and just to take heed and areas never, never to go alone,” said Rodriguez.