The Los Angeles Police Department has detained a suspect in the alleged savage beating on a 62-year-old street vendor in Downtown Los Angeles.
The attack occurred on June 15 in the 700 block of Figueroa Street, where the victim, Arabelia Martinez, had been selling hot dogs for years to support herself and her family.
A video that emerged online purported to show a lady assaulting Martinez and pouring sauce at her cart. Martinez’s response of throwing Tajín seasoning at the suspect exacerbated the incident.
Martinez was then shoved to the ground and repeatedly hit as bystanders watched. Some are seen attempting to intervene, but the assault lasted around a minute before coming to an end.
According to Martinez’s son, Constantino Garcia, the suspect approached his mother and tried to frighten her into handing over money. When she declined, Garcia claimed the woman became verbally aggressive and racist before the scenario worsened.
Garcia stated that his mother had complained of head discomfort as a result of the incident.
Martinez’s family said in a statement that she is currently at home resting and recovering and is overwhelmed by the community’s generosity and love.
“We are incredibly relieved to share that the individual who assaulted our mom is now in custody,” her family said in a statement. “We are extremely appreciative to LAPD Detectives Roman and Aguirre for their unwavering support throughout our family’s journey. We’d also like to thank the citizens of Los Angeles and the rest of the world for their extraordinary outpouring of love, prayers, and support.
Police have not yet identified the offender, who was arrested for felony violence.
Martinez’s family has started a GoFundMe campaign to help her recover.
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