A popular valet at a popular West Hollywood restaurant was hospitalized after being repeatedly kicked and punched by another man over the weekend.
The attack happened around 10:28 p.m. Saturday when a man went on a “violent rampage” on Santa Monica Boulevard, first attacking someone at a bus stop and then two other people near the Soho House, according to AJ Sacher, operations manager at Barney’s Beanery in West Hollywood.
The man then entered the Barney’s parking lot and “savagely” beat Efrain Zarazua, the Barney’s valet, Sacher said.
“He actually tried to kill him,” he added.
Zarazua, known as “Frank,” suffered injuries to his head, neck and body and was in intensive care at a local hospital Monday night, Sacher said. He was punched multiple times by the man for no apparent reason, he added.
“Zarazua has worked at Barney’s for at least 30 years and is a ‘staple’ at the restaurant,” Sacher said.
“He’s the nicest, kindest man in the world,” he added. “He’s the last person who deserves this kind of violent attack.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed in a press release that a suspect approached the victim “without provocation” and punched him in the face, causing him to hit his head on the ground and lose consciousness.
The suspect then kicked the victim about 10 times in the head and torso before fleeing east on Santa Monica Boulevard, the statement said.
“The suspect remains outstanding and investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him,” the statement said. “The LASD West Hollywood Detective Bureau will be handling the investigation.”
Zarazua’s family has created a GoFundMe page to raise money for her medical expenses and other bills.
“He has been loved by his regular customers and employees for all these years,” the page said. “We need your help to cover medical expenses and some bills that can cover the time he will be away from work while he recovers.”
