Man Assaults a Restaurant Manager and Yells Racial Slurs NR12586cj

Los Angeles: On December 15, 2012, around 1 p.m., a manager of a fast food restaurant, in the 600 block of South Alameda Street, received a complaint from a customer that there was a panhandler inside the restaurant bothering patrons.

The detectives’ investigation revealed that the victim approached the panhandler and asked him to leave. The panhandler complained and then left the restaurant lobby. The victim followed the panhandler outside to ensure that he was leaving the property. The victim then saw the panhandler walk to the rear of the drive through area and resumed panhandling to some patrons ordering food at the drive- through.

The victim again approached the panhandler and told him that he could not panhandle at the drive through either. The panhandler became angry and pushed the victim several times.  He then grabbed the victim and immediately pressed a knife against the victim’s torso and threatened to kill him. The suspect also used racial slurs during the assault. The victim told investigators that he has received racial slurs and threats from the suspect in the past involving his sexual orientation.

On December 17, 2012, detectives assigned to LAPD Crimes Against Persons Unit (CAPS) conducted a follow-up when they received information that the suspect had returned to the restaurant. The detectives got to the location and detained the suspect near the location.

LAPD Central Area officers assisted the detectives and conducted a field show up where the suspect was positively identified. The suspect, Kenneth Underwood, was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon and enhancements for a Hate Crime will be sought.

Anyone with information about this incident may contact LAPD Central Area detectives at 213-972-1203. During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (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.”