BRIEFLY IN PUBLIC SAFETY

Landlord arrested in hammer assault

A 50-year-old Laguna Beach man was arrested Jan. 4 on suspicion of fracturing his tenant’s skull by striking him in the head with a hammer, Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Darin Lenyi said.

Catarino Hernandez Lopez allegedly struck the victim after following him from the apartment the victim rented from Lopez at 125 High Drive.

The victim had reportedly been arguing with his wife, and Lopez told him to leave the premises, Lenyi said.

The victim went to the bus depot on Broadway in downtown Laguna, and was followed by Lopez, who then hit him in the head with a hammer, Lenyi alleged.

The victim went to the hospital around 10 p.m. Jan. 3 and reported the alleged assault the next day, according to police records.

Lopez is being held without bail in Orange County jail.