Crime & Safety

Arrest in May Day 'Cheap Shot' Attack on Officer

Brian Mendoza, 23, was booked Wednesday after an unidentified protester contacted the LAPD.

: it showed a young man banging a female cop on the head with what looked to be a drum at an Occupy L.A. rally the day before.

The LAPD asked the public for help in finding the man in the video. And they got it.

Brian Mendoza, 23, was arrested Wednesday. An unidentified protester contacted investigators with information, according to the Los Angeles Times quoting sources familiar with the arrest.

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The Times says Mendoza was booked on suspicion of felony assault on a peace officer. Authorities say he is on probation for a previous attack on a peace officer in El Monte.

The Times say Mendoza was a transient known to frequent Skid Row.

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The so-called "snare drum" attack was one of two incidents that marred the largely peaceful May Day protests.

The other involved an attack on several police officers with a large wooden pallet.  Suspects are still being sought there.

The officer in the Tuesday afternoon attack and Hill and Fourth streets was hospitalized with a mild concussion, but is fine.

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