LOS ANGELES – A juvenile remained hospitalized in grave condition Thursday after being attacked by three other juveniles while eating outdoors at a Freedom Plaza restaurant in South Los Angeles.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, two juveniles were eating at the restaurant in the 9900 block of South Alameda Street around 6:50 p.m. Tuesday when they were “approached from behind and brutally beaten by three juvenile suspects.”
One of the victims was hospitalized in grave condition. The other was treated and later released, police said. The family has setup a GoFundMe to raise funds for legal fees.
On May 14th, approximately 5:00pm , my brother Jason Rios asked my mother for permission to go dine at our Local Watts Habit Burger Grille at Freedom Plaza for his 15th birthday. He sat down at the outside patio to enjoy his meal. While being so happy he could now go out on his own , he was attacked by 4 adults. They struck him in the head, instantly making him black out and fall out of his chair. They continued to beat and kick his lifeless body for no apparent reason while no one intervened. The suspects fled and left my brother for dead. He managed to call my mother, losing consciousness and the ability to speak. His brain began to swell and the blood flooded his brain. He is currently fighting for his life in a deep sleep and oxygen pumping into his lungs after his surgery . He is a straight A student, who enjoys building computers and gaming, who did not deserve this. I am here asking for justice. The funds will be used to get a lawyer to purse attempted murder and cover my brothers future therapy. As well as pursing legal action for the lack of security at The Watts Freedom Plaza and the Housing Authority of The City of Los Angeles New Harvest Projects. Where it is known for accidents like this to be swept under the rug and get no media coverage.
GoFundMe
One juvenile suspect in the attack was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of attempted murder, police said. Detectives are still working to track down the other two suspects.
The name of the suspect was not released due to the juvenile’s age. The victims’ names also have not been released.
Anyone with information regarding the attack was urged to contact LAPD Southeast detectives at 213-972-7813. Calls during non-business hours or weekends should be directed to 877-527-3247. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
City News Service contributed to this report.
