A man visiting from Denmark was found unconscious near Speedway and Washington Boulevard in Venice early Friday, bleeding from a cut to the right side of his head, after two suspects attacked him and then ran off before officers arrived. Los Angeles police are now asking the public to help identify the pair, who were caught on surveillance video approaching and assaulting the victim for reasons that remain unclear.
Officers responded to the scene around 12:35 a.m., according to mynewsla.com, after reports of an unconscious man suffering a laceration to the head. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics took the victim, described by police as a Danish national visiting the United States, to a hospital, where he was treated for serious injuries. Investigators said the suspects had already fled by the time officers arrived, according to KTLA.
Surveillance Footage Captures the Attack, But Not the Motive
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed two male suspects approaching the victim and assaulting him, mynewsla.com reported. What, if anything, sparked the confrontation was unclear, and police have not disclosed a motive. The attack happened at an intersection KTLA describes as a busy tourist spot lined with bars and restaurants within walking distance of Venice Beach, a stretch of the neighborhood that typically draws heavy foot traffic late into the night.
LAPD investigators released photographs of the two suspects in hopes that someone in the public can identify them, the same report notes. Detectives have not said whether any arrests have been made, and the suspects' identities remain unknown.
How to Reach Investigators
Anyone who recognizes the suspects or has information about the attack is urged to contact LAPD Pacific Division Detective Patrick Foley at 310-482-6313, available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., per mynewsla.com's report. After business hours, tipsters can reach the Pacific Division watch commander at 310-482-6334 or 877-527-3247. Those who prefer to stay anonymous can call L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or submit a tip online at lacrimestoppers.org.
Venice's Boardwalk Has Seen Assaults Before
This is not the first violent incident reported at or near that exact intersection. In January 2021, a separate assault occurred at Washington Boulevard and Speedway Boulevard at about 5 p.m., according to ktla.com. That victim was also hospitalized and treated for serious injuries, and police at the time sought a suspect described as wearing a white Kenley Jansen Dodgers jersey and carrying a skateboard.
In a separate incident reported by abc7.com, an assault near Speedway and Market Street began as an argument between a victim and two suspects who were walking their bicycles, escalating when one of them struck the victim in the back of the head with bolt cutters. That victim also survived but suffered serious injuries.
