Los Angeles — In a brazen attack in the middle of the day, a mob composed of around 40 teenagers on bicycles assaulted Shailoobek Bazarbai, an immigrant from Kyrgyzstan who has been living in Los Angeles for a year while seeking asylum in the U.S. The incident, capturing both attention and alarm, involved the group surrounding and attacking Bazarbai, consequently leaving him with significant injuries and a damaged vehicle.
Bazarbai recounted the ordeal, noting it occurred while he was inside his car. A thrown bottle at his vehicle prompted him to step out, which led to the violent confrontation. The mob not only assaulted him but also vandalized his car and stole valuable items including his passport and wallet. The financial setback extended beyond personal items, as Bazarbai estimated the damages to his property and possessions to exceed $20,000.
Further ignominy came as Bazarbai discovered days later the unauthorized use of his credit cards, indicating continued repercussions from the robbery. At the time of the attack, he had stored various belongings such as cash, cards, phones, and documents in his car, as he was preparing to relocate.
Janeth Garcia, a witness to the event, intervened physically to assist Bazarbai, confronting the group to rescue him from further harm. Garcia described the scene as a chaotic and overwhelming turmoil, focusing her efforts on shielding Bazarbai once she had reached him. Her brave involvement was crucial in preventing potentially more severe consequences for Bazarbai.
Bazarbai sustained a broken leg that required surgical intervention, along with multiple bruises across his body. Expressing profound gratitude towards Garcia, Bazarbai credited her swift actions with saving his life amidst the terrifying ordeal. The emotional and physical toll was evident as he recounted the events, emphasizing the unexpected nature of such violence and expressing appreciation for any support received.
The attack on Bazarbai happened against a backdrop of similar mob activities in the city, illustrating a troubling pattern of youth-involved organized crime. Just days following the incident with Bazarbai, a nearby 7-Eleven was overrun by a group of approximately 50 masked teenagers who looted the store, taking merchandise and causing havoc.
Earlier in the year, another incident underscored the rising concern regarding public safety. Actor Ian Ziering experienced a violent altercation with a group of bikers in Hollywood, describing the brawl as alarming. Such events have catalyzed discussions about community safety and the response from law enforcement.
While the Los Angeles Police Department has not made arrests in Bazarbai’s case, the continued pattern of these mob incidents poses daunting challenges for the city’s authorities as they grapple with escalating organized crimes involving youths.
Community members and local leaders are increasingly alarmed, calling for more robust measures to prevent future occurrences and safeguard all residents and their property. This incident has not only highlighted the immediate need for police action but also a broader community response to counter the growth of such disruptive and criminal activities among teenagers.