Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Teen Charged With Felony After Viral Attack on Downtown Los Angeles Street Vendor

Prosecutors say they will pursue the case to hold those who target vulnerable small-business workers accountable.

Overview

  • Video that circulated online shows a physical assault at a hot‑dog cart at 7th and Figueroa that began after a dispute about a hot dog on June 15 and escalated into the vendor being thrown to the ground and repeatedly struck.
  • Nineteen‑year‑old Harmunie Heaven Church was arrested and has been charged with assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, aggravated battery and vandalism; she pleaded not guilty at arraignment and bail was set at $105,000.
  • Police said investigators identified Church in part from videos she allegedly posted to social media in which she claimed to be defending herself.
  • The victim, identified by family as 60‑year‑old Arabelia Martinez, is recuperating at home with reported severe headaches, body pain and emotional trauma, and a GoFundMe organized by her son has raised substantial funds to cover medical and recovery needs.
  • Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman called the incident an alleged brutal attack and said the office will aggressively prosecute those who target street vendors; charging papers include an allegation of great bodily injury that can increase potential sentencing exposure.