Sheriff’s officials said Thursday a man who brutally attacked a longtime Barney’s Beanery parking valet in West Hollywood committed at least four other assaults in the same general area within a roughly 20-minute span.
According to the sheriff’s department, five men and a woman were targeted in the assaults that occurred between 10:15 and 10:35 p.m. Saturday in the 8400 block of Santa Monica Boulevard.
One of the victims was Efrain “Frankie” Zarazua, a Barney’s Beanery parking valet who was attacked around 10:30 p.m. Saturday outside the restaurant at 8447 Santa Monica Blvd. Surveillance video of the attack shows the shirtless assailant knocking Zarazua to the ground then stomping and repeatedly kicking him in the head. Sheriff’s officials said the suspect kicked him about 10 times in the head and upper body.
“Frank is currently still in critical condition in the ICU, having sustained multiple injuries to his head, neck and body,” according to an Instagram post by the restaurant. “Frankie has been part of Barney’s team for over 30 years. He is kind, funny and welcoming to everyone he encounters.”
Zarazua’s son, Chris, told reporters his father could have died in the brutal attack. He said another co-worker at the restaurant had been attacked by the suspect at a nearby bus stop, and another person was attacked nearby.
“I think my dad … he was trying to see what the commotion was about, and unfortunately he ran across … the assailant,” he said.
The suspect was described as a 5-foot-9-inch tall man with a short beard who was last seen wearing a white hat and gray pants. He is believed to be homeless.
Investigators are seeking possible additional victims or witnesses who may have information regarding the assaults to contact West Hollywood Station Detective Brandon Zeff at 310-358-4033. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.