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Suspect arrested for assaulting Sikh man
Police arrested a man accused of attacking a Sikh man with a golf club in North Hollywood. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell says the department is not investigating the attack as a hate crime.
LOS ANGELES - A suspect was arrested and charged for brutally beating a Sikh man in North Hollywood.
What we know:
Harpal Singh, 70, was beaten with a golf club while taking his daily walk near the Sikh Gurdwara of LA in North Hollywood on Aug. 4.
The attack left him with critical injuries. His brother, Dr. Gurdial Singh Randhawa, said Singh has had three surgeries to treat injuries to his face and head.
"He is totally unconscious, they keep him under sedation," said Dr. Singh Randhawa said Monday during a press conference held by members of the Sikh community.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Sikh community demanding justice after elderly man beaten in North Hollywood
What led to violent attack?
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, it appears a physical altercation occurred between Singh and the suspect.
Witnesses said they heard a loud commotion, then saw two men swinging metal objects at each other. In a statement, the police department said both men were struck, but the suspect repeatedly assaulted Singh while he was on the ground. Witnesses told police they intervened by yelling at the suspect. He then rode away on his bike.
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Sikh community demanding justice for attack victim
The Sikh community is demanding justice after an elderly man was brutally beaten in North Hollywood.
Suspect arrested after picture was released
A day after Sikh community members held a press conference, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said an arrest had been made in the case.
The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Bo Richard Vitagliano, was arrested on August 11 for assault with a deadly weapon.
Earlier in the day, detectives released a picture of Vitagliano on his bike in the same area as the crime. He was located hours later near Lankershim Boulevard and Arminta Street and taken into custody.
Police said Vitagliano is homeless and has an extensive criminal record for narcotics, assault with a deadly weapon, and various weapons charges.
McDonnell said there is no evidence the attack was a hate crime, but indicated it was likely motivated by a dispute over property belonging to the victim.
What they're saying:
"I am grateful to hear that the police have arrested a suspect for the horrific assault of my brother, but we need to better understand this attack and why it is not being considered a hate crime," said Dr. Singh Randhawa said in a statement. "Justice must be served, and our local Sikh community must know that the area around our gurdwara—where we gather to worship, learn, connect, eat, and serve others—is safe for all."
Charges filed against Vitaglino
Vitagliano was charged with attempted murder, elder or dependent adult abuse and assault with a deadly weapon. The charges include allegations of causing great bodily injury, brain injury and attacking an elderly victim. The charges do not include hate crime allegations, officials said.
He pleaded not guilty during arraignment. A preliminary hearing is set for Aug. 26.
The Source: Information for this story came from a press conference held August 12, 2025 by LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. Statements were also given by the victim's brother, Dr. Singh Randhawa.