1 Arrested, 2 Sought in Hate Crime Attacks on Transgender Store Owner in Westlake

Hate Crime Attacks on Transgender Store Owner

• 🏳️‍⚧️ A transgender woman, identified as 61-year-old Sabrina De La Pena, has been the victim of repeated brutal assaults by the same three men.
• 📍 The attacks occurred in the Westlake district of Los Angeles, where De La Pena has operated a convenience store for 30 years.
• 🗓️ The most recent incident took place on Saturday, May 31st, involving an attempted shooting during a robbery.

Details of the Assaults

• 💥 The assaults have included verbal slurs, physical violence, and the use of weapons such as pepper spray and a taser.
• 🚨 One incident involved the suspect dragging the victim onto a balcony and violently beating her.
• 💰 During the latest incident, approximately $30,000 was stolen.

Investigation and Public Appeal

• 👮 LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell announced that one suspect has been arrested, but two outstanding suspects are still being sought.
• 🔍 Police are investigating the series of attacks as a hate crime.
• 📢 The public is urged to contact the LAPD with any information that could assist in locating and apprehending the remaining suspects.