CHP To Investigate Apparent Freeway Beating Caught On Tape
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — The California Highway Patrol is investigating an apparent beating along Interstate 5.
The video captured on a smartphone was reportedly taken around 3:30 p.m. on June 12 along the northbound Interstate 5 south of Seventh Street in an area known as the East LA Interchange.
(WARNING: This video contains graphic language and images.)
KNX 1070's John Brooks reports authorities believe the video is real, but they're asking for witnesses to come forward to verify its content.
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"We are seeking the public's assistance in not only identifying and speaking with the individuals involved in the incident, but we would also like to speak to any witnesses who may have seen this incident," said CHP Sgt. Denise Joslin at a news briefing on Wednesday.
A driver apparently shot the two-minute video after approaching three men who had been riding in an older-model Volkswagen and the victim, Jerry A. Patterson, who had been driving a Honda.
The video initially shows Patterson and one of the other men taunting each other and exchanging expletives before engaging in a fist fight.
A third man wearing a black t-shirt, who was one of the passengers in the Volkswagen, later helps throw Patterson to the ground.
The three men can be seen scuffling on the roadway until the two men from the Volkswagen kick Patterson six times in the head before returning to their vehicle.
The suspects are heard saying, "Let's go!" before driving away in the Volkswagen with California license plate number 3UGW962.
It was unclear what the fight was about or if the video might have been staged. It was uploaded by user "ghostsofmany" to LiveLeak Monday and has over 131,000 views.
Anyone with information should contact the California Highway Patrol at (213)744-2331.
