Homeless man is fatally stabbed downtown; 1 arrested, others sought

A man is in custody and police are searching for two others suspected of being involved in a fatal attack of a homeless man Saturday night in downtown Los Angeles.

Officers responded at about 10 p.m. Saturday to a call reporting an assault on the 600 block of Wilshire Boulevard, according to an LAPD statement. They found a man on the ground and summoned paramedics, who pronounced him dead. Authorities have not released the man’s name as they work to notify his family.

A witness directed police to 23-year-old Anthony Johnson, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, police said. Two other suspects remain at large.

Police said the victim was attempting to set up a place to sleep on the street when other homeless men approached and told him to move down the street.

The man began collecting his belongings slowly and several of the other men grew angry and told him to hurry up, the LAPD statement said. As he walked away, the man reportedly attempted to kick a dog owned by one of the other men, but missed.

The dog’s owner struck the man several times and two other men joined in on the beating, police said. At some point during the attack, the victim was stabbed with an unknown sharp item.

Authorities have not said what role Johnson is suspected of playing in the attack.

ALSO:

Rockefeller impostor reasserts innocence after sentencing

Gang rape victim’s letter tells attackers: ‘I forgive both of you’

Letters from Hannah Anderson, handcuff boxes found at DiMaggio’s home

[email protected]

Twitter: @joelrubin