What started as a petty dispute over a broken bottle near Exposition Park on Friday night turned into a terrifying family brawl when a man allegedly pulled a machete and stabbed a relative, according to police. Officers arrested the suspect at the scene, and the most seriously injured person was rushed to a hospital, where they were listed in stable condition.
LAPD spokesman Officer David Cuellar said the confrontation kicked off around 8:40 p.m. on Adams Boulevard after a boyfriend kicked a bottle that shattered. Two nearby men believed the bottle had been tossed at them, sparking an argument. The couple later returned with relatives, and the shouting match ballooned into what Cuellar described as a “big ’ole fight.” In the chaos, one man allegedly pulled a machete and stabbed a relative while two others suffered cuts and bruises.
Cuellar identified the suspected machete-wielder as 32-year-old Cornell Richardson, who was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. He also pushed back on earlier chatter that suggested the injuries were more severe than they actually were, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Fight Erupts In A Crowded Cultural Hub
Exposition Park sits just south of downtown Los Angeles and is home to several major attractions, including the Natural History Museum, the California Science Center, and the Rose Garden. The park lists its main address as 700 Exposition Park Drive and is adjacent to USC and multiple transit stops, a setup that helps explain why the confrontation unfolded in such a busy area, according to Exposition Park.
Suspect Recently Released Before New Arrest
Booking records cited by police show Richardson had been released from Los Angeles County jails on June 16 after being held on misdemeanor counts for carrying a knife in public and exhibiting a deadly weapon, and court records indicate he was convicted of exhibiting a deadly weapon in January. This weekend, officers again booked Richardson on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, and he remained in custody, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Victims Recovering As Detectives Dig In
The hospitalized victim was reported in stable condition, and police said two others were treated for cuts and bruises. The LAPD said no one involved in the fight is affiliated with USC. Detectives are continuing to investigate, and anyone with information is urged to contact the department.
