Community Rallies Around Street Vendor Beaten In Taped Robbery

LOS ANGELES, CA — A street vendor was brutally beaten during a robbery in San Pedro that was captured on video Sunday. While police hope the footage released Monday will lead to the arrest of the attackers, an outpouring of community support and donations has flooded the family of the badly injured man.

Pedro Reyes, a 54-year-old family man who works seven days a week, suffered facial fractures, a broken jaw and a cut throat and had several teeth during the attack. The video shows his attackers beat and rob him, leaving his unconscious body in the street.

"He was just trying to make a living, and he was victimized, for no reason whatsoever," Los Angeles Police Department Lt. David Krumer told Fox11. "It's absolutely tragic. All people deserve to feel safe in the area that they're working and living (in)."

The attack occurred about 5 a.m. Sunday, as Pedro Reyes and several other vendors were getting ready to begin their day's work in the area of San Pedro and 31st streets.

Five attackers exited two vehicles and approached the vendors, demanding money and chasing down Reyes, who tried to run. He was badly beaten despite giving the suspects his money, according to police, who said two other vendors suffered minor injuries.

On a GoFundMe site established to help offset medical costs, Reyes' stepson described the predicament the family now faces. More than 3,000 people donated nearly $110,000 in just a day.

"My stepfather is hardworking man from Oaxaca, Mexico who has no health insurance. He works 7 days a week as a roofer Monday-Saturday and a fruit vendor on Sundays," wrote John Patrick. "Unfortunately, doctors say his recovery will take at least 6 months and he will have to be fed with a straw. I know he wouldn't want to ask for help, but I know he will really need it. "

The suspects were described as four men between 25 and 40 years old and a woman who appears to be about 25, according to LAPD detectives who released security video from an area business in the hope that someone will recognize the suspects or their vehicles.

Reyes' family has set up a GoFundMe page to assist the vendor, who works six days a week as a roofer and sells peanuts and fruit on Sundays.

Anyone with information on the crime was urged to call (323) 846-657 2 to speak with Detective Nubia Avila. After-hours and on weekends, call should be directed to (877) LAPD-24-7. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS.

City News Service contributed to this report.