A counter-protester at Sunday’s “America First” rally in Laguna Beach was in custody Wednesday after allegedly trying to flee the state after being seen on video attacking a peaceful Trump backer.
Protesters against illegal immigration rallied on Sunday along the Laguna Beach shoreline at Main Beach Park where the unprovoked attack allegedly happened.
The suspect, identified by police as 20-year-old Richard Losey of Lancaster, Ohio, sucker-punched another man who was peacefully speaking with a group of people, said Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Jim Cota. Losey fled the scene before officers arrived.
The attack was caught on video and published on various media and social media sites, Cota said.
The victim contacted the Laguna Beach Police Department Monday and reported that he was physically assaulted during the rally by a counter- protestor.
Detectives were able to quickly identify Losey and make an arrest on Tuesday in Laguna Beach as he was attempting to obtain a bus pass to Ohio, Cota said.
“Detectives believe Losey was trying to flee the state to avoid criminal prosecution,” Cota said.
—City News Service