A $25,000 reward was proposed Wednesday for information that leads to the apprehension and conviction of five people who robbed and beat a street vendor in South Los Angeles, leaving him hospitalized with a broken jaw and facial fractures.
Pedro Reyes, 54, was beaten and robbed about 5 a.m. Sunday morning near the corner of 31st and San Pedro streets. The attackers drove up in two vehicles, got out and demanded money from Reyes and several other nearby vendors as they were getting ready to begin their day's work, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Reyes tried to run away, but was chased down and beaten despite giving the suspects his money, according to police, who said two other vendors suffered minor injuries.
"We want to pursue and demand justice, that's the point we want to make today," City Councilman Curren Price said at a news conference at Victory Outreach Church, which is near where the attack occurred. "Justice for a hardworking 50-year-old peanuts and coconuts street vendor who now lies injured in the California Hospital.
"As Pedro set up his stand for an honest day's work, a group of monsters preyed upon him, beating him mercilessly and tormenting him in the most cold-blooded of ways. Once more, his attackers are still out there."
The suspects were described as four men between 25 and 40 years old and a woman who appears to be about 25, according to LAPD detectives who released security video from an area business in the hope that someone will recognize the suspects or their vehicles.
The reward -- which must still be approved by the City Council -- is to be offered for information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of the persons responsible for the attack.
Anyone with information on the crime is urged to call 323-846-6572 to speak with Detective Nubia Avila. After-hours and on weekends, call should be directed to 877-527-3247. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-8477.
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A GoFundMe page set up by Reyes' family to assist the vendor, who works six days a week as a roofer and sells peanuts and fruit on Sundays, has raised more than $148,000.
"He was just trying to make a living, and he was victimized, for no reason whatsoever," LAPD Lt. David Krumer said Monday. "It's absolutely tragic. All people deserve to feel safe in the area that they're working and living (in)."
