What began as a late night out at The Abbey in West Hollywood ended with one man on the ground, kicked repeatedly and convinced he might not make it home, he told reporters.
The man said he was violently attacked early Thursday after leaving the popular nightlife spot, describing how he was knocked to the pavement and repeatedly kicked. He reported suffering bruises, cuts and other injuries and said he feared for his life as the assault unfolded.
Driver video and victim's account
According to NBC Los Angeles, the victim, who identified himself only as Saint, said the confrontation started after an unsettling encounter with a woman in West Hollywood Park and escalated when others joined in. He told the outlet the attackers took his phone when he tried to call 911, and a passing driver's video captured part of the struggle.
The outlet reported that deputies responded to a call about a fight in the area and that no arrests were reported early Friday.
City ambassadors were on scene
A West Hollywood city spokesperson told NBC Los Angeles that members of the city's Security Ambassadors program were already on site and immediately contacted the West Hollywood Sheriff's Station. "We are deeply concerned by the reported attack," the spokesperson said.
The city describes the Security Ambassadors as an unarmed, street-level program that supplements patrols and assists visitors and residents, the City of West Hollywood notes.
Nightlife context and past incidents
The Abbey is one of West Hollywood's busiest nightlife spots, and the surrounding area has a long history of late-night responses from deputies. In 2022, deputies cleared The Abbey after security reported a man with a gun inside, as reported by ABC7, a reminder of why some patrons and neighbors say they keep a close eye on safety in the neighborhood.
Patrons and passersby in the area frequently pull out their phones when something breaks out on the street, posting video that can later help investigators piece together what happened in incidents like this one.
Investigation and reporting tips
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's West Hollywood Station responded to the scene and is investigating the reported attack. Anyone with footage or information is asked to contact the West Hollywood Sheriff's Station or to submit anonymous tips to LA Crime Stoppers, the station's page notes.
