Venice Beating Caught on Video

Police are seeking public help to find two men who beat another man during a dispute in Venice that was captured on video.

The assault occurred about 4 a.m. Dec. 13 near Ocean Front Walk and Horizon Avenue, said Los Angeles police Capt. Brian Johnson of the Pacific Station.

The victim suffered a broken arm, as well as a head injury, and was treated at a hospital and released, Johnson said.

"Although the victim has been homeless at times, we don't believe (the motivation) is an attack on a homeless person," Johnson said. "The suspects and the victim know each other, and there was some sort of dispute."

Witness James Karhu told ABC7 that he shot video of the beating from his window. One suspect can be seen repeatedly hitting the victim with a folding chair as he cowers on the ground.

"He just does not stop," Karhu said. "I thought he was going to stop. At this point, I'm honestly scared. They were throwing beer bottles. ... I had heard somebody else had called 911, so what I was trying to do was get video footage that would at least help catch this guy."

Anyone with information on the case was urged to call the tipline (310) 482-6404.

- City News Service