Man In Cowboy Attire And Female Companion Sought In Attack On Huntington Park Cabbie
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a male and female suspect accused of assaulting a taxicab driver in Huntington Park.
Jorge Arvizu, 57, was working near 6617 Wilson Ave. on April 27 at approximately 2:30 a.m., when a man and a woman flagged him down just north of Leonardo's Night Club, according to Huntington Park Police.
The male and female suspects requested a ride to Adams Street in Los Angeles. As Arvizu headed north on Alameda Street, the female suspect became irate, accusing him of trying to rip them off and even trying to punch the driver through the open partition.
Arvizu pulled over at Gage Ave. and Alameda St. and refused to drive further. He opened the door to allow the male and female suspects to exit the taxi.
Video shows the female suspect knock Arvizu to the ground and proceed to brutally attack him. The man then joined in, kicking and hitting Arvizu so hard his dentures were knocked out of his mouth.
Arvizu was transported to the hospital and was later admitted to the ICU. He spent five days in the hospital, but is now at home recovering, still badly bruised on his neck and chest.
Police said the attack was so brutal they believe the suspects could be charged with felony assault and battery.
Arvizu has worked for Fiesta Taxi for five years. Officials with the company say concern over drivers' safety is what prompted them to install security cameras two years ago.
Marco Soto of Fiesta Taxi described Arvizu as a "super nice guy," who "has a lot of friends, treats his customers well."
"For this to happen to someone like him obviously puts everyone on edge," said Soto.
Despite the horror of the attack, Arvizu said he is eager to return to work.
Police described the male suspect as a Hispanic adult in his early thirties, medium complexion 5'8", 160 lbs., with a mustache. The suspect was wearing dark western cowboy style attire, with a black Cowboy hat and black cowboy boots.
The female is described as a Hispanic adult in her early thirties, light complexion, with shoulder length brown hair. She is approximately 5'5", 170 lbs., and was last seen wearing a green blouse and blue jeans.
The suspects were last seen walking northbound on Alameda St.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective Navia at (323) 826-2177 or Sergeant Castelli at (323) 826-6686.
Or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call "LA Crime Stoppers" by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the LACrimeStoppers website.
