Man Arrested in Venice Folding Chair Beating Caught on Camera

After video of the beating was released, authorities identified a suspect and a felony warrant was issued

A man suspected in beating a homeless man with a folding chair at the Venice Beach boardwalk last month was arrested on Sunday during a traffic stop, police said.

Police were able to identify Apolinar Celestino Lopez, 30, as the suspect of a Dec. 13 beating caught on camera that sent a homeless man to a hospital after being struck by a folding chair several times to the face and upper body, according to a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department.

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A felony warrant was obtained for Lopez’s arrest.

On Sunday, officers stopped a speeding vehicle in Venice and learned that the driver was Lopez. Aside from the warrant, police said Lopez was suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

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Lopez was arrested and booked.

Police were seeking another man involved in the beating as well, but he was not mentioned in the statement. Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at (310) 482-6313.

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