A Thursday night at a Sun Valley auto body shop turned violent when about 10 people attacked two men at the business on Lankershim Boulevard, authorities said. One of the men was taken to a hospital with what police described as minor injuries, and investigators are still trying to sort out what sparked the confrontation.
According to ABC7 Los Angeles, the assault happened around 10:30 p.m. Police told the station that at least one suspect was armed and that the group took off in two cars after the attack. Officers also said the two men who were beaten were not employees of the shop. An LAPD investigation is underway.
Scene on Lankershim Boulevard
Lankershim Boulevard cuts across the San Fernando Valley and is lined with collision and repair shops, a stretch where late-night work and vehicle pickups are common. Local business directories list multiple body and repair shops along the corridor, including Sun Valley Auto Body, a reminder that trouble at an auto shop can quickly involve cars on the lot as well as people nearby.
Police response and investigation
LAPD West Valley detectives responded to the body shop and opened an investigation into the beating. As ABC7 Los Angeles notes, detectives are still trying to determine whether the two vehicles the suspects used to flee were connected to the victims or were simply parked at the shop.
What neighbors should know
The attack comes amid ongoing concerns about vehicle-related and other property crimes in Los Angeles, even as the city has reported a drop in homicides. The Los Angeles Times reported in January that property crimes, including vehicle theft, remain a stubborn problem. Anyone with information about the Sun Valley assault can submit an anonymous tip to Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS or through lacrimestoppers.org or contact the LAPD's West Valley division.
