Crime & Safety

Suspect Charged in Assault of Woman on Sunset Strip

Arlene Mitchell, 59, is taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after allegedly being attacked by suspect Michael Beal, who has been charged with felony assault.

A 59-year-old woman was brutally assaulted on the Sunset Strip on Tuesday afternoon, authorities said. Witnesses informed deputies that the suspect viciously attacked the victim for no apparent reason.

Michael Beal, who has been charged with felony assault, allegedly walked up to Arlene Mitchell at 8560 Sunset Blvd. and punched her in the face several times with a closed fist. Beal, 47, continued to beat the victim to the ground, kicking her legs, stomach and back area, according to a West Hollywood Sheriff's Station report. 

During the attack, a witness came to Mitchell's aid and held onto the suspect until deputies arrived at around 4:10 p.m., said Detective Lopez of the West Hollywood Sheriff's Station. Deputies detained Beal pending a robbery investigation.

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"It's a business area. It was busy, so people saw it," Lopez said. "It was just a random act for no reason. The witness was on the street corner." 

The L.A. County District Attorney filed a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon with a special allegation charge against Beal.

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"A leg can be considered a weapon," Lopez said, "since the suspect kicked the woman."

Deputies are still searching for surveillance of the incident. "We don't know now, but hopefully by tomorrow or early next week," Lopez said Thursday.


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