Griffith Park Attack: Suspect Arrested In Brutal Assault

California authorities have confirmed an arrest in Monday’s Griffith Park attack. Although the suspect was not identified by name, he was arrested at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Monday evening. Authorities said the suspect matched an eyewitness description.

On Monday afternoon, the victim was discovered on a Griffith Park hiking trail. Authorities confirmed the man, who is in his 30s, was airlifted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Although he is currently listed in critical condition, he is expected to survive.

LAPD Sgt. Douglas Bowler confirmed the victim sustained severe injuries to his head and neck. As reported by Los Angeles Times, the victim was assaulted with “a deadly weapon.” However, authorities have not revealed what kind of weapon was used in the Griffith Park attack.

Sgt. Bowler said even “foot could be a deadly weapon if you kick somebody… anytime someone’s assaulted around the head, it creates very serious injuries.”

Although the incident remain under investigation, authorities believe the two men argued prior to the assault. LAPD’s Northeast Division Sgt. Wayne Guillary said the argument continued to escalate to the point where the suspect struck the victim multiple times. As the injuries were life-threatening, the suspect could face charges of attempted murder. It is unclear whether the victim knew the suspect prior to the assault.

As reported by LAist, Monday’s Griffith Park attack was the third in the last six months. In May, a young woman was assaulted amid an attempted robbery. The same month, another woman was sexually assaulted in the same park. Although both women were injured, they managed to flee their attackers. At this time, authorities do not believe the prior assaults are related to Monday’s attack.

Griffith Park, which is located between Feliz Boulevard and the Ventura Freeway, encompasses more than 4,200 acres of land. In addition to picturesque hiking trails, the park is a popular destination for camping, golf, hiking, horseback riding, and swimming.

Although it was previously owned by Colonel Griffith J. Griffith, the land was gifted to the people of Los Angeles in December 1896. Griffith’s only conditions was that the land “must be made a place of recreation and rest for the masses… for the plain people.”

Indeed, the park remains a place of recreation and tranquility for the residents of Los Angeles. Although the Griffith Park attack is certainly unsettling, authorities are fairly certain that it was an isolated incident.

[Image via KTLA]