A bystander filmed the attack on San Vicente Boulevard. Police are
asking witnesses and anyone with information to call investigators. (photo courtesy of the LAPD)

Updated on Feb. 28: Los Angeles Police Department detectives have arrested two juveniles for their alleged involvement in the violent attack on Feb. 22 on San Vicente Boulevard. The names and ages of the suspects were not released. Lt. Mark Ro, with the LAPD’s Wilshire Division, said investigators received an anonymous tip that led to the identification of the suspects, who he said live in the San Fernando Valley. Ro said the investigation is ongoing and police are asking anyone with information to call detectives at (213)922-8205 or (213)473-0476.

Police are searching for members of a large group of bicyclists who violently attacked a man on Feb. 22 at the intersection of San Vicente Boulevard and McCarthy Vista in the Carthay Circle community.

The incident was captured on cell phone video by a bystander in a nearby vehicle and posted on social media. Authorities are using the video and security camera footage from other cameras to identify the suspects, who are teenagers approximately 16-18 years old, police said. The video of the attack was broadcast by the media and has caused outrage in the community.

“I’m deeply disturbed by the attack that took place near San Vicente and McCarthy. My heart goes out to the young man who was assaulted and his family, and I’m relieved to hear that he is recovering,” Los Angeles City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, 5th District, said. “[The] LAPD is actively investigating this incident, and while law enforcement has not indicated they think this was a hate crime, any act of violence like this is unacceptable. I urge anyone with information to come forward to help hold those responsible accountable.”

Lt. Mark Ro, with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Wilshire Division, said there is no evidence to suggest the incident was a hate crime, and he characterized it instead as a spontaneous act of violence committed by a mob. Ro said the incident occurred shortly before 5 p.m. as a group of 20-30 bicyclists was riding southbound on San Vicente Boulevard, impeding traffic. The victim, who was driving, honked at the bicyclists and shouted at them as he drove past, he added. When traffic stopped at McCarthy Vista, the cyclists caught up to the victim and members of the group started banging on and kicking his car, Ro said. The victim got out and several members of the group swarmed him, hitting and kicking the man until he lay motionless on the ground.

“It started out as a traffic dispute and quickly escalated. It turned into a melee. It was totally spontaneous,” Ro said. “This type of behavior is completely unacceptable.”

Ro said other motorists got out and began to intervene, at which time the bicyclists rode off southbound on Carrillo Drive. Police were called and arrived minutes later, but the cyclists were gone. No arrests were made.

The victim, a Beverly Hills resident who Ro said is in his late 20s, was treated at the scene by paramedics and declined to be taken to a hospital. Ro said detectives met with him earlier this week as part of the investigation. Ro said the man sustained cuts, scrapes and bruises, sought medical treatment on his own and is recovering.

“He lives nearby and said he takes San Vicente all the time,” Ro added. “He was in and out of the hospital the same day. Fortunately, his injuries were not more severe.”

Investigators are looking into whether the cyclists are part of a large group that committed spontaneous flash mob takeovers at convenience stores last July. Approximately 50 teens rode up on bicycles, swarmed inside and ransacked a 7-Eleven store at 8500 Olympic Blvd. on Aug. 9 and Sept. 20, causing thousands of dollars in damage each time. Prior to the attack on Feb. 22, the group of cyclists rode to the same 7-Eleven store at Olympic and La Cienega boulevards, Ro said. When employees saw the bicyclists outside, they locked the doors and set off an alarm, causing the cyclists to ride away, he added.

“We are not sure if it’s the same group. We are trying to sort out who was involved to see if it’s the same people causing problems,” Ro added.

After the flash mob takeovers at the 7-Eleven last year, police announced the arrest of four juveniles who were turned in by their parents. Authorities hope parents of the teens who attacked the man on San Vicente Boulevard will also cooperate with police and turn in the perpetrators.

“We’ve seen how truly dangerous a large group can be,” Ro said. “We are hoping they do the right thing.”

“I know that this incident has shaken many in our community, and I want to assure you that we take these concerns very seriously,” Yaroslavsky added. “Violence has no place in our city, and those responsible must be held accountable.”

To view crime alerts about the incident and photographs of the suspects, visit facebook.com/LAPDWilshire.

Anyone with information about the crimes is urged to call detectives with the Wilshire Division at (213)922-8205. Ro said people who see the group of cyclists are encouraged to call the police station’s non-emergency number at (213)473-0476 to notify officers.