Saturday, the Los Angeles Police Department verified that an individual sought over a reported attack on a Danish tourist in Venice has surrendered to the agency.
The violent encounter left the victim unconscious on the pavement with serious head injuries.
The attack took place on Washington Boulevard near Speedway at around 12:35 a.m. on Oct. 30, according to the police department. On Friday, the LAPD made public a muted and edited surveillance clip in hopes that citizens could assist in identifying the individuals suspected of felony battery.
Video shows a man, referred to by police as Suspect #1, approaching another man and slapping him. The recording then transitions to the identical suspect striking an object in the man’s hand, blocking him from retrieving it, and engaging in a physical struggle. Suspect #1 is subsequently seen interacting once more with the victim—whom the LAPD designated as a Danish tourist—while appearing to slip his hand into the tourist’s pocket.
Moments later, video shows another man, referred to by police as Suspect #2, slug the tourist. The victim falls to the ground and lies unconscious in front of witnesses as Suspect #2 is later seen on the phone.
Law enforcement noted that the tourist suffered a cut on the right side of his head and was transported to a medical facility with severe injuries. Officials did not provide an update on his condition Saturday.
Since the video was released, police say Suspect #2 has turned himself in. Police have not released his identity, and it’s unclear what charges, if any, he faces. The LAPD said Saturday that it is confident Suspect #1 will be in custody soon.
In a statement to NBC4, Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park, who represents Venice, called the incident “completely unacceptable” and said she was in communication with the LAPD.
As leadership changes in City Hall, this is another important reminder that public safety must remain a top priority.
Mark Ryavec, head of the community improvement group Venice Stakeholders Association, mentioned to NBC Los Angeles that the footage did not come as a shock to him after he watched it. “People feel an immunity to be able to commit these kinds of crimes in Venice and in other parts of the city,” Ryavec said.
The investigation remains open as detectives work to locate the remaining suspect.
