LAPD Seeks Culprit In Fatal Assault Of Man On Motorized Scooter In Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Authorities are asking the public for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for the now-fatal assault of a disabled man in Hollywood last month.

Louie Rodriguez died Monday from injuries in the Sept. 21 assault, the LAPD said in a written statement.

According to authorities, Rodriguez had attended the Hollywood Music Festival and was attacked about 12:40 a.m. as he rode his motorized scooter near Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue.

"Rodriguez was assaulted and punched by the suspect, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head," the statement said.

Police said first responders found Rodriguez and took him to a hospital, where he remained for 15 days. He died Monday.

By evening, his sister Tina Rodriguez spoke to KCAL9's Brittney Hopper about her brother whom she described as a "good man who didn't deserve this."

Rodriguez said she had held onto hope that her brother would pull through.

"He was our older brother. It's been awful," Rodriguez said. "Whoever did this is a real coward."

Meanwhile, the suspect remained at large. He was described by authorities as a Latino male with a lean build. He is approximately 6 feet tall and was believed to be about 23 years old with ear expanders in both ears. He reportedly fled on foot.

A motive for the attack was unknown.

Anyone with information about this case was asked to call West Bureau Homicide detectives Fernando Rivas or Jose Robledo at (213) 382-9470, or to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 during non-business hours or on weekends.