Three minors were apprehended by the Long Beach Police Department in California on Saturday, following reports of an assault on a homeless individual. The incident occurred in the downtown area near Pacific Avenue and 1st Street, where the boys were allegedly involved in a heated argument with the homeless man around 6:25 p.m. The argument escalated into physical violence, with the boys reportedly using tent poles and a tripod as weapons, and hurling objects at the man.
Upon the arrival of law enforcement, the boys attempted to flee the scene. However, the police were able to identify and apprehend them. A video captured at the scene showed the youngest of the boys, a 12-year-old, being handcuffed and placed in a police vehicle. The other two boys were aged 14 and 15.
The three boys are now facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon and conspiracy to commit a crime. Due to their minor status, their identities have been withheld. The victim, who sustained non-life threatening injuries to his upper body, received treatment from paramedics at the scene and declined further medical attention at a hospital.
This incident comes amidst a growing homeless crisis in California, which is reportedly the worst in the nation. The state is home to the largest homeless population in the country, accounting for an estimated 30% of the total homeless population. This crisis has been linked to an increase in crimes both by and against the homeless population.
In a recent incident, a homeless man was arrested for assaulting a 6-year-old child in broad daylight in Santa Monica. The child was not seriously injured, and the man was apprehended following a second assault on a 7-year-old child.
Christina Tullock, a family friend of the assaulted 6-year-old, issued a stark warning to potential visitors to the state. Speaking to KTTV-TV, she advised against visiting Venice or Los Angeles, particularly for those with children or elderly individuals, citing safety concerns.