Pinkberry Co-Founder to Stand Trial in Tire Iron Attack

A co-founder of the Pinkberry yogurt chain has been ordered to stand trial on a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly striking a homeless man with a tire iron last summer.

Young Lee -- who is no longer involved with the company -- is out of custody, due back in court Aug. 2 for arraignment.

He is accused of using a tire iron June 15, 2011 to attack a homeless man whose sexually explicit tattoo angered him, court documents allege. The homeless man is also suing Lee in civil court in connection with the case.

The attack began near a Hollywood Freeway off-ramp at Vermont Avenue where the homeless man was panhandling, court documents said.

Lee, who was driving by, took “deep offense” of the tattoo, rolled down the window of his sport utility vehicle and began arguing with the man, court documents allege.

The alleged attack broke the man's arm, court papers say.

Passersby called 911 and gave authorities the license plate number of Lee’s vehicle, court documents said.

Following the attack, Lee traveled to Korea and England. He was arrested Jan. 30 at LAX by a fugitive task force.

Lee’s attorney Phillip Cohen has said his client is innocent.

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