Rodolfo Roman Was Hospitalized After Being Beaten With a Metal Pole
Tensions are rising in a Brentwood neighborhood after a local gardener was violently attacked by a homeless man while working outside a residence, prompting renewed calls for city action against a long-neglected property that neighbors say has become a haven for squatters, as reported by KTLA 5 News.
Rodolfo Roman was on the job in the 11900 block of Dorothy Street on June 23 when a shirtless man approached him, reportedly angered by the sound of Roman’s lawn equipment. According to witnesses, the man began yelling at Roman before striking him repeatedly with a metal pole.
Roman suffered a deep gash to his head and a broken arm in the assault, which was partially captured on surveillance footage. The video shows the man swinging the pole at least twice as Roman attempted to shield himself.
As he continues to recover, Rodolfo Roman says his most pressing concern is being unable to work while his broken arm heals. A GoFundMe campaign launched by neighbor Rob Yuill has been set up to help support Roman during his recovery.
Residents say the attacker had been squatting in a nearby property that was abandoned more than a decade ago after a fire. Neighbor Mike Heffron, who lives next door to the burned-out home, said the site has become a magnet for transients, with rising criminal activity reported in recent months. He said repeated complaints to city officials and police have gone unanswered.
Yuill added that he has even offered to purchase the property from its current owner but received no response.
On Tuesday night, Los Angeles police confirmed they had located and arrested the suspect near Bundy Drive and Santa Monica Boulevard in the Sawtelle neighborhood. His identity has not been released.
