Shocking moment a man, 51, sucker-punches a 5-year-old in the face and hits an 11-year-old from behind in a Target store during unprovoked attack that landed him nine years in jail

A 51-year-old man was sentenced to nine years in prison for brutally assaulting two children in Target store in Lodi, California. Surveillance video of the incident, which took place in August, was released for the time on Wednesday.

In the disturbing footage, the two young boys, whose identities have not been revealed, can be seen playing a video game in the electronics section. Jeff Hardcastle then comes up from behind and hits the 11-year-old.

He also delivered a sucker-punch to a 5-year-old in the face. The intensity of the blow sent the youngster to the floor.

The 11-year-old was then seen rushing to help, pulling the smaller child to safety. 

Police said the children did not provoke the attack, CBS Sacramento reported.

Officers said Hardcastle's behavior appeared to indicate he was drugs. The video showed him wandering erratically up and down the aisles. 

Police were able to corner him behind an electric box outside the store.   

CBS Sacramento spoke to a few local residents about the video. 

Melvin Goodrum Jr told the station, 'I would have lost it. Physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually lost it.'

Deserie Lisondra was also moved by what she saw.   

'I really would not contain myself, this is my child, I don't know you why would you put your hands on my child?' she told CBS Sacramento.

The San Joaquin County District Attorney sentenced Hardcastle, after he pleaded no contest to assault and causing great bodily injury to a minor. 

As part of the plea deal, he also pleaded guilty to a violent robbery committed in 2008.