A lifeguard was physically assaulted by three intoxicated people on the Venice Pier on Thursday night after he allegedly asked one of them to put out a cigarette, witnesses told authorities.
The fight was reported around 6:30 p.m. on the crowded pier, according to Lt. Daniel Gonzalez with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Pacific Division.
The lifeguard came down from the tower after someone threw a cigarette butt at him, said Los Angeles County Lifeguard spokesman Capt. Kenichi Haskett.
While he was climbing down, the lifeguard was struck on the back of the head by one of the men, Haskett said.
Video of the assault showed the lifeguard being repeatedly punched, knocked to the ground and then kicked over and over.
Several bystanders tried to break-up the fight, and soon other lifeguards arrived to help, the video showed.
Three people in their 20’s, two men and a woman, were taken into custody, according to Gonzales. One of the attackers was taken away on a stretcher.
The lifeguard was transported to the hospital where he was being treated for injuries to his hand and arm, including a possible fracture, said Los Angeles County Fire Department Supervisor Bernard Peters.
It is a felony to assault a lifeguard, who is considered a peace officer, Haskett said.
