Police are hoping “ear extenders” or gauges — which are earrings that open holes in a person’s earlobes — will be the clue that helps them solve a murder. A 54-year-old man died after he was punched in the face and fell from a mobility scooter in Hollywood on Sept. 21.

The victim, Louie Rodriguez, was riding his motorized mobility scooter on the sidewalk near Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue at approximately 12:40 a.m. when he was confronted by an unknown suspect who witnesses said was wearing ear extenders. The suspect struck Rodriguez and fled the area on foot. The victim struck his head on the sidewalk and was knocked unconscious. He died on Oct. 6 after spending two weeks in the hospital in a coma.

“He never regained consciousness,” said. Lt. John Radtke, with the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Bureau Homicide Unit. “We don’t know what set off this guy. The suspect was out there looking for trouble.”

Radtke said witnesses called police, and paramedics took Rodriguez to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he remained hospitalized until his death. The victim, who was described as a disabled Navy veteran, was reportedly heading home to Monterey Park after attending the Sunset Strip Music Festival in West Hollywood. Authorities believe he may have missed a bus and ended up a couple of miles east in Hollywood. Radtke said the crime occurred on the northeast corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue.

“All of Hollywood Boulevard was completely busy,” Radtke said. “Someone called it in right away. We are looking for members of the public to come forward to find out if the suspect may have started an argument with somebody else.”

The incident was initially classified as an assault, and homicide detectives began their investigation after Rodriguez died. Police are in the process of examining surveillance camera footage from the area and are searching for witnesses. No motive has been established for the crime.

The lieutenant said he didn’t know the extent of Rodriguez’s disabilities, but said the victim relied on his scooter to get around. Rodriguez had his dog with him when the crime occurred, and authorities later returned the dog to the victim’s family members.

“He had a little dog with him, and it just breaks my heart,” Radtke said. “He’s just there on a scooter and the suspect punches him.”

The suspect is described as a Hispanic man in his early 20s, six feet tall with a lean build.

“We are hoping anyone who saw someone, or knows someone who fits this description, will step forward,” Radtke said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators with the LAPD’s West Bureau Homicide Unit at (213)382-9470. During weekends and off-hours, call the LAPD’s 24-hour hotline at (877)LAPD247.