May Day Assault Suspect Arrested Additional Suspects wanted for Assault on LAPD officers

Los Angeles: On May 2, 2012, just after 6:00 p.m. LAPD patrol officers identified and arrested 23-year-old Brian Mendoza of Los Angeles for the Assault on a female LAPD officer during the May Day Demonstration.  Mendoza was taken into custody in the downtown area of Los Angeles and subsequently booked for 245(c) PC, Assault with a Deadly Weapon.  Mendoza is currently being held without bail at the LAPD’s Metropolitan Detention Center.

Earlier in the day, Chief Charlie Beck held his monthly media availability where videotaped evidence of two separate incidents of assaults on officers was played.  The first showed Mendoza walking behind a female officer on a skirmish line and striking the back of her head with a drum nearly knocking her helmet off, and causing her to lose balance and stumble forward.

The second video showed a group of protesters ramming several officers with a wood pallet.  The suspects from the second attack have not been taken into custody.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Robbery Homicide Detectives at 213-486-6850.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”