Suspect arrested for Calabasas sucker punch caught on camera, 1 other attack
CALABASAS, Calif. - A man has been arrested for multiple attacks in the Calabasas area, after video allegedly showed him sucker-punching a grandpa pushing his grandson in a stroller in an unprovoked attack. Deputies said the same man was also wanted in connection to a similar attack in the area around the same time.
Angel Sanchez Jr. of Santa Barbara was arrested Tuesday afternoon in connection with two unprovoked attacks, both against members of the Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Video posted to Neighbors showed one of the attacks. It happened around 5:42 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5, at the intersection of Lost Springs Drive and Cottonwood Grove Trail. The video shows the attacker crossing the street toward the man pushing the infant in the stroller before he punches the victim squarely in the face with a left hook. The victim fell to the ground and the stroller tumbled over, leaving the infant visibly in distress. The suspect then got into a nearby minivan and drove away.
The victim, identified as a 60-year-old man, spoke to FOX 11's Cristy Fajardo. He didn't want to be identified, but told FOX 11 that he had multiple broken bones in his face and may need surgery. He also said the baby in the stroller suffered some bruising.
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On Tuesday, the LASD also reported that the same suspect was wanted in connection with another attack against a juvenile, also a member of the AAPI community, that happened before the incident involving the man with the stroller.
Tyler Corcoran is the teen's boxing coach. Corcoran said the boy was attacked on his way to the gym, but was able to fight back and get to safety.
"He was walking up the street on Los Virgenes, the guy jumped out from the side, grabbed him, slammed him and started punching on him all in his face and his body," Corcoran said.
Tuesday afternoon, the LASD announced that they'd arrested Sanchez. While both of the victims in the two assaults were members of the AAPI community, the department said it's still investigating a motive for the attacks.
Deputies are still investigating the attacks. Anyone with information was asked to call LASD's Malibu/Lost Hills Station at 818-878-1808.