West Los Angeles Hate Crime Investigation NR20178ll

West Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department West Los Angeles Division detectives are investigating three hate crime/battery incidents that occurred during a protest.

On July 21, 2020, at around 2:00 p.m., a protest, sponsored by the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), took place at the Azerbaijan Consulate. A large crowd of Armenian protesters showed up to the 11700 block of Wilshire Boulevard, estimated at one point to be more than 500 people. A counter-protest, held by Azerbaijani protesters, estimated to be between 30-50 people, was held directly across the street. During the protest, the two opposing groups became increasingly agitated which resulted in a physical altercation.

Three Azerbaijani victims came forward and have reported the assaults to police, which are being investigated as hate crimes. The three victims sustained non-life threatening injuries during the altercation, and received medical treatment at a local hospital.

Anyone with information on these crimes is urged to call West Los Angeles Major Assault Crimes Detectives, at (310) 444-1531. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. 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 LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.