A late night confrontation in a downtown Laguna Beach alley ended with a 23-year-old man seriously injured and a 26-year-old British citizen facing criminal charges, authorities say.
The suspect, identified by police as Ryan George Coussons, was arrested Saturday after the reported fight near Ocean Avenue and South Coast Highway. Coussons was booked on a charge of battery with serious bodily injury and faces a sentencing enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury, according to the Los Angeles Times. Laguna Beach police say the clash broke out at about 1:45 a.m. in an alley after an argument between the victim and two other men.
The 23-year-old victim, who officers say was walking home from a business, “lost several teeth,” according to police, and was treated for serious facial injuries, per the Los Angeles Times. Officers arrested Coussons at the scene and are asking for the public’s help to identify the second man believed to have been involved.
Investigation and public tip line
Investigators say Coussons was detained at the scene Saturday, but the search continues for the second suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective David Huynh at (949) 497-0274 or contact the Laguna Beach Police Department’s nonemergency lines.
Legal context
Under California law, battery that causes serious bodily injury falls under Penal Code §243(d). It can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the severity of the harm. The statute covers substantial injuries such as concussions, fractures and wounds that require extensive suturing. Prosecutors may also seek a “great bodily injury” enhancement under Penal Code §12022.7, which can add consecutive years to a sentence if the defendant personally inflicted severe trauma. See California Legislative Information and California Legislative Information for the statutory text.
Coussons is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court. The case remains under investigation, and the Orange County prosecutor’s office may file formal charges or enhancements in the coming days.
