SOUTH LOS ANGELES — A shocking assault unfolded at a taco truck in South Los Angeles late Sunday night, with a group of individuals reportedly using baseball bats to attack workers and vandalize the establishment. The incident, which occurred just before midnight at the Tacos Los Poblanos food truck at Avalon Boulevard and Slauson Avenue, was allegedly streamed live on social media.
The owner of the taco truck, who chose to remain anonymous for safety reasons, recalled the chaotic scene. A mob, estimated to consist of around 25 people, approached as the truck was closing for the night, hurling insults in both English and Spanish before launching their violent takeover.
In a moment of distress, an employee reached out to the owner via phone, pleading for police assistance. “It was scary,” the owner said, describing the terror that unfolded when the attackers began their assault. The owners’ daughter also expressed deep concern over the livestreaming aspect of the incident. “One of them was filming the attack on TikTok,” she noted, baffled by the apparent normalization of such behavior. “Vandalizing a business and attacking people is beyond understanding.”
Authorities with the Los Angeles Police Department are actively investigating the case, but as of now, no arrests have been made. The taco truck suffered extensive damage, prompting repairs estimated to exceed $10,000, leaving it temporarily out of service while another vehicle from their fleet takes its place.
Community members have rallied around the taco truck operators. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to assist employees with medical expenses and to cover the costs of truck repairs. Local resident Erik Garcia voiced his dismay over the incident, emphasizing that the victims were simply trying to earn a living. “It’s outrageous that this kind of mindless vandalism is happening,” he said.
One employee was hospitalized due to the attack but is now recuperating at home with his pregnant wife. The taco truck staff, grappling with the aftermath of the assault, hope that anyone with information about the assailants will come forward to aid the investigation. The incident underscores a growing concern over public safety and the normalization of violence in everyday contexts.