Suspect arrested in brutal attack on street vendor in downtown Los Angeles
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A suspect has been arrested for allegedly attacking a street vendor at her stand in downtown Los Angeles, an incident that was all caught on video.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed Thursday that one person was taken into custody, though further details were not immediately available.
A video posted to Instagram on Sunday shows some type of argument between a woman and the street vendor. The woman is seen dumping hot sauce on the vendor's hot dogs causing the vendor to throw a red powder at the woman. The altercation quickly escalated to a physical attack.
The woman approaches the street vendor as the vendor tries to get away. Both then fall to the ground and the woman throws punches to the back of the vendor's head, according to the video.
Bystanders attempt to separate the women and stop the attack. As the vendor is being helped up from the ground and begins walking away, the video shows the woman coming up behind the vendor and once again begins to beat her on the head and face before pulling the vendor by the hair and onto the ground.
Several people eventually manage to stop the attack and pull the woman away as she attempts to attack the vendor a third time.
A GoFundMe page set up by the victim's son identifies the street vendor as Arabelia Martinez.
Her family released the following statement after the arrest was announced: "We are incredibly relieved to share that the individual who assaulted our mom is now in custody. We are deeply grateful to Detectives Roman and Aguirre of the LAPD, who have stood by our family every step of the way. We also want to thank the people of Los Angeles, and everyone around the world, for the incredible outpouring of love, prayers, and support. Our mom is home resting, and we are overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity you have shown us. Your support is helping ensure she receives the care she needs as she continues to recover during this difficult time."
