An argument between two bus passengers turned violent as one man punched another, leaving the victim unconscious and strewn from the vehicle, according to surveillance video released Wednesday.
"This fight literally started over one individual stepping on the foot of the other. Words were exchanged and punches were thrown," LAPD Homicide Detective Luis Carranza said.
The incident happened April 5 shortly after 7 p.m. aboard a Santa Monica Big Blue Bus traveling through West LA.
In the video, the two men are seen arguing as the bus comes to a halt. As a rear door opens, a male passenger who has yet to be identified punched Luis Contreras, who fell out of the bus and hit his head on the curb.
Police described Contreras' head injury as serious, saying he "is now fighting for his life."
Police also released images (embedded, below) of the unidentified combatant boarding the bus.
"We need someone to watch the video and look at the photographs," Carranza said. "Anyone with information can contact us. We just want to know why this unfortunate incident occurred. We want to speak with him to get his side of the story."
Anyone with information about the case can contact police at 213-382-9470. Anonymous tips can be made via 1-877-527-3247, or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
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