Downtown LA street vendor assault captured on viral video sparks outrage
Violent attack on LA street vendor sparks outrage
Video has circulated online of the June 15 attack on Arabelia Martinez, which took place around 4 p.m. that day in the 700 block of Figueroa Street. According to Martinez's son, the suspect harassed his mother, saying she had no legal right to be a street vendor and telling her to go back to Mexico, among other racially charged statements. The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the battery as the alleged assailant remains at large.
LOS ANGELES - A violent altercation in downtown Los Angeles has sparked community outrage and a massive wave of financial support after a video of a 62-year-old street vendor being assaulted went viral.
What we know:
The altercation occurred on June 15 around 4 p.m. on the 700 block of Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles, where Arabelia Martinez has operated a hot dog stand for years.
Video of the incident shows Martinez being tackled to the ground, dragged by her hair, and her equipment being destroyed.
Following the attack, Martinez suffered visible injuries, including bruises and a welt on her head.
A GoFundMe campaign established by her son, Tino Garcia, has raised more than $118,000 toward a $120,000 goal to fund her therapy, mental health support, and recovery.
The Los Angeles Police Department's Central Station has confirmed they are actively investigating the incident as a battery.
What we don't know:
The identity of the suspect remains unknown to authorities, and the LAPD has not publicly confirmed whether the woman posting defense videos on social media is the official suspect.
What they're saying:
Tino Garcia, the vendor's son, detailed the moments leading up to the physical fight, stating that the woman told his mother she needed a permit and tried to extort money.
"My mom said that she said, 'sweetie, like, do you want a hot dog? I'll give you a hot dog, like. I got you, like you don't have to pay for it. It's on the house.' And she said ‘no,' like and then that's when she said something along the lines of like, you know, ‘speak English and you know go back to Mexico.’"
Garcia expressed gratitude on the fundraising page.
$100K+ raised to help assaulted street vendor
More than $100,000 was pledged Wednesday to assist a 62-year-old street vendor who was attacked by an unidentified woman in an altercation recorded on video in downtown Los Angeles.
"Since sharing what happened, so many kind and generous people around the world have already reached out wanting to help — and it has truly meant the world to our family. All funds raised will go directly toward therapy and professional support so she can begin to heal emotionally and mentally."
The other side:
An unidentified woman on TikTok claiming to be the other individual involved denied using racial slurs or asking about permits, claiming Martinez refused her service based on her race.
"When I walked up to her, I had money. She told me, ‘Me no serve your people.’ So yes, I retaliated, and I put Chamoy on her hot dogs. But I did nothing physical to her, to her physically, to her. Maybe to her belongings, but not to her. She physically attacked me first."
The woman further questioned the motives behind the video release, stating, "They are using this as a platform to make more money."
What's next:
The LAPD will continue analyzing the video footage and social media accounts to positively identify the suspect.
Garcia indicated that the funds raised will be deployed immediately to assist his mother with professional emotional and psychological healing before she considers returning to work.
What you can do:
The LAPD is urging anyone with information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the suspect to contact the LAPD's Central Station at 213-486-6606.
The Source: This report is based on an interview with Tino Garcia in downtown Los Angeles, alongside public statements and verified campaign details published by the him on GoFundMe. Additional statements were obtained directly from verified video defenses posted by the counter-party on TikTok, and investigation confirmations provided by the Los Angeles Police Department.