LAPD Announces Arrest In Possible Hate Crime Attack Of Transgender Woman
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A male suspect has been arrested in the late May assault of a transgender woman, the Los Angeles Police Department said.
Nicol Shakhnazaryan, 21, was arrested on felony battery chargesby Hollywood Division detectives around 8 p.m. Thursday in the San Fernando Valley. Details surrounding his arrest were not released.
Police believe Shakhnazaryan was one of four suspects who beat 22-year-old Vivian Diego, a transgender woman, near the Hollywood and Ivar Metro stop on May 31.
The attack, which police called a possible hate crime, was caught on video.
"One of the members of the group ran after Vivian and struck her from behind, knocking her to the ground," said Lt. Marc Reina. "The remaining members of the group then joined in brutally assaulting Vivian by repeatedly kicking her, even while she lay motionless on the sidewalk."
Diego suffered a broken jaw, shattered cheekbone and two cracked ribs. Her jaw was wired shut as a result and she was hospitalized for seven days.
Shakhnazaryan is being held on $1.05 million bail.
City leaders announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.
The FBI is aiding the LAPD in the search for the outstanding three suspects.
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