Suspect in Burbank man’s assault arrested; victim did know assailant, contrary to initial report
Police arrested a Los Angeles man on Thursday in connection with an assault in Burbank where the victim was struck repeatedly with a baseball bat.
Later, police found out the victim’s original story about whether he knew the suspect was apparently not true.
On April 4, officers were dispatched to the American Coin Wash, a self-serve car wash at 520 S. Victory Blvd., regarding an assault, according to Burbank Police Sgt. Claudio Losacco.
Officers contacted the victim, a 29-year-old Burbank resident, and witnesses at the scene.
The victim told officers he was cleaning his car when he was approached and challenged to a fight by an unknown man. The suspect then punched the victim several times in the face, Losacco said.
The suspect left the scene for a brief time, but returned, this time with a baseball bat. The suspect approached the victim and struck him several times with the bat.
The suspect then fled the scene in a red Chevrolet Camaro, Losacco said, adding that the victim suffered moderate injuries to his face and upper body, including a broken jaw.
The assault and suspect’s vehicle were captured on surveillance cameras. The surveillance footage, which included the suspect vehicle’s license plate, led to the suspect being identified, according to Losacco.
At the time of the initial police report, the victim denied knowing the suspect. However, the investigation revealed the victim did know the assailant.
The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Eric Gonzalez, accused the victim of having a sexual relationship with his girlfriend just before the assault took place, Losacco said.
Burbank detectives located Gonzalez’s vehicle in an apartment complex in the 200 block of West Verdugo Avenue on Thursday.
Shortly after, Gonzalez was contacted and arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.
He was booked into the Burbank City Jail. He has since posted $30,000 bail and is due to appear in court on May 5.