HARTFORD, Conn. -- Hartford's former deputy mayor remained in intensive care on Wednesday, two days after he was mugged and beaten.

Police said investigators believe that muggers targeted Nicholas Carbone for his wallet.

Police spent the morning talking to drivers on Laurel Street, hoping that someone had witnessed the daylight attack.

Carbone was walking down a stone path, when police said he was attacked from behind by three men.

In addition to talking with drivers, police handed out hundreds of cards with the Crime Stoppers' tip line.

"It's sad that this happened to him or anybody, because he's very well known and a lot of people like him or love him, but this happens every day," said Rep. Minnie Gonzalez.

Gonzalez is close friends with Carbone. She said she spoke with his family Wednesday at Hartford Hospital.

She said that doctors believe one of the robbers kicked him in the face before stealing his wallet and that he may need brain surgery.

"Yesterday was Nick Carbone and tomorrow can be me or you or anybody else, and like I said before, this has been going on every day," Gonzalez said.

Police said they are hoping someone witnessed the crime and will contact investigators by dialing 860-527-TIPS.