A beloved server at a popular West Hollywood restaurant has been hospitalized after being kicked and punched repeatedly by another man over the weekend.
The attack occurred Saturday around 10:28 p.m. 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 Soho House, according to AJ Sacher, chief operating officer at Barney’s Beanery in West Hollywood .
The man then entered the parking lot at Barney’s and “viciously” assaulted Efrain Zarazua, the Barney’s valet, Sacher said.
“He basically tried to kill him,” he added.
Zarazua, who was known as “Frank,” suffered head, neck and body injuries and was in the intensive care unit of a local hospital Monday night, Sacher said. He had been punched and kicked repeatedly by the man for no apparent reason, he added.
Zarazua has worked at Barney’s for at least 30 years and has been a “fixture” at the restaurant, Sacher said.
“He’s the sweetest, nicest guy in the world,” he added. “He is the last person to deserve this kind of violent attack.”
The LA 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 become unconscious.
The suspect then kicked the victim about 10 times in the head and torso before fleeing eastbound on Santa Monica Boulevard, according to the news release.
“The suspect remains at large, and detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect,” according to the statement. “The LASD West Hollywood Detective Bureau will be handling the investigation.”
Zarazua’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for his medical expenses and other bills.
“He is loved by his regulars and employees over the years he has worked there,” according to the page. “We need your help to cover any medical expenses and help with any bills that may cover from the lost time he will be out of work while he recovers.”