INGLEWOOD, CA – A Hispanic man was viciously attacked outside his home in what police are investigating as a potential hate crime. The assault, which occurred two weeks ago, has left the victim physically and emotionally scarred, as he continues to recover from the harrowing ordeal.
The 41-year-old Inglewood resident, Javier, was preparing to leave for work as a gardener on the morning of April 15 when the incident unfolded. As he approached his truck on the 200 block of West Hyde Park Boulevard, an unknown assailant approached and began striking him without warning, hurling racial slurs throughout the attack.
Surveillance footage from the scene captures the brutal nature of the assault, with Javier suffering multiple blows to the face, leaving him bloodied and bruised. “I was terrified,” Javier recounted. “I thought he was going to kill me.”
As the attacker continued his onslaught, Javier screamed for help. His cries alerted his wife, who rushed to the scene, prompting the assailant to flee. The attacker is believed to have escaped in a silver, blue, or green Chevy Malibu, and Javier’s house keys were stolen during the incident.
Javier insists he did nothing to provoke the attack, describing it as racially motivated. “It feels like a hate crime,” he said. “I wasn’t looking for trouble with anyone.”
The suspect is described as a man between 30 and 40 years old, approximately six feet tall and weighing around 200 pounds. He was last seen wearing a green hooded sweatshirt.
Javier, now more cautious, fears for his family’s safety, particularly his young daughter. “I’m more afraid now, especially for my daughter. I don’t want her to be in danger,” he expressed.
As of now, no arrests have been made. Inglewood police are urging anyone with information about the suspect or the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation.