Assault results in broken hip; arrest made

A 44-year-old Laguna Beach man suffered a broken hip after he was attacked Friday at the bus depot on Broadway Street, according to Laguna Beach police.

Police arrested Laguna resident Matthew Paul Benusa, 27, on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, Sgt. Louise Callus wrote in an email.

Officers responded to a fight in progress at the depot at 4:10 p.m.

Benusa allegedly tried to steal money from someone other than the victim and a fight ensued when the 44-year-old man came to the person’s aid, Callus said.

She said Benusa fled and officers found him on Third Street.

Police arrested him on a no-bail warrant initially for battery, but upgraded the charge to assault with a deadly weapon because of the victim’s injuries, according to Callus, who explained that hands and feet can be considered weapons.

The injured man was taken to Mission Hospital Laguna Beach, police said.

—Bryce Alderton

Twitter: @AldertonBryce