Los Angeles police have arrested two juveniles following a violent attack by a group of teenage cyclists on a driver in the Carthay neighborhood. The incident marks the third such assault in recent months, raising concerns about a disturbing pattern of confrontations between cyclists and motorists.
The latest attack occurred Saturday at San Vicente Boulevard and Carrillo Drive, where 20-30 teenage cyclists, aged 16-18, assaulted a driver in broad daylight. The confrontation began when the teens allegedly struck the victim's vehicle, prompting him to exit and confront the group. Witnesses reported the teenagers then surrounded the driver, repeatedly punching and kicking him after he fell to the ground.
The assault ended only when bystanders intervened, causing the group to flee south on Carrillo Drive. The victim received treatment from paramedics for minor injuries but declined hospital transport.
Two arrests were made Wednesday after the LAPD's Wilshire Division received an anonymous tip. The incident follows two similar attacks in recent months - one in January involving the vandalism of a Mercedes-Benz near Wilshire Boulevard, and another in August when cyclists attacked a driver stopped at a red light in downtown L.A.
Local Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky condemned the violence, stating, "Violence has no place in our city, and those responsible must be held accountable." While law enforcement has not classified the incident as a hate crime, the investigation remains active.
Police urge anyone with information about the attack to contact the LAPD's Wilshire Division or their after-hours hotline.