Ondrejka said the East Falls man, who travels to Center City frequently to take walks, told police that his assailants blocked his exit from the washroom, knocked him down, and stole about $50.
He remained hospitalized yesterday in good condition with injuries to his head, eye and mouth.
Police released the surveillance video in the hope of identifying the three men in their 20s who they say staged the assault. The video does not show the attack, but it shows one man entering the men's room and the two others moving in the corridor outside, apparently keeping watch.
Police believe the assailants communicated by cell phone because after the elderly man entered, the two apparent lookouts closed in on the washroom. At least two were inside when the assault occurred.
During the mugging, one women approached the washroom area and reversed course, apparently steered away by one of the men who blocked the entry.
After the attack, the three assailants are seen on the video leaving the washroom. In less than a minute, two unsuspecting men enter the washroom and discover the injured man. One helps the staggering victim into the mall.
Ondrejka said that police were looking at other surveillance videos in the mall for more clues about the assailants.
He described one as 6-foot-2, thin, wearing a red Phillies cap, a white T-shirt, and baggy jeans. Another was light-skinned, heavier, wearing a black cap, a small ponytail, and baggy cutoffs. The third assailant is about 5-foot-9 and wore a long, light blue polo shirt. All were described as black.
"These are jackals who prey on the public," said Ondrejka. Tipsters may call 215-686-8477 (TIPS).
Ondrejka said that the mall had stepped up security since the attack.
Contact staff writer Andrew Maykuth at 215-854-2947 or amaykuth@phillynews.com.
