Violent Skateboard Attack Yields Two Arrests; One Hospitalized, Cops Say

ANAHEIM, CA — After a brutal skateboard and hammer attack, two are behind bars in relation to the crime according to the Anaheim police department. On Thursday, a second suspect was arrested following the near-fatal attack of a man who was beaten with a hammer and skateboard at Centennial Regional Park.

Anthony Edward Rodriguez, 23, of Santa Ana, was arrested Wednesday night at his girlfriend's home in Santa Ana, according to Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.

Using cell phone videos of the attack and other clues, police concluded that Rodriguez teamed up with Adrian Hernandez, 19, of Santa Ana, in the Tuesday night beating, Bertagna said.

Hernandez and Rodriguez were both being held in lieu of $500,000 bail, according to jail records. They were booked on suspicion of attempted murder, Bertagna said.

The unidentified victim, who is in his 30s, appeared to be under the influence of an intoxicant when he approached three men sitting by a skate park at 3000 W. Edinger Ave. and challenged them to fight about 7 p.m. Tuesday, Bertagna said.

The conflict quickly escalated to a fight, with the suspects punching the victim and Hernandez eventually pulling out a hammer and attacking the man with it, Bertagna alleged.

"He retrieved a hammer from his backpack and began striking the victim across the chest," Bertagna said.
Another suspect grabbed a skateboard and "began striking the victim in the head and face with the skateboard," Bertagna said.

The victim was taken to a hospital in critical condition but was expected to survive, Bertagna said. There is no current word on his condition.

Police believe there may be more witnesses and asked them to step forward and help with the investigation. Anyone with information was asked to call detectives at (714) 245-8390. Orange County Crime Stoppers will accept anonymous tips at (855) TIP-OCCS.

Photo, courtesy Anaheim Police Department