Homeless Man in Park Dies from his Injuries

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public's help in searching for a suspect who hit the victim over the head with a bottle on July 13, 2009, in Hollenbeck Area.

At around 1:30 p.m., a 40-year-old Hispanic man was drinking in the park near Lacy Street and Avenue 26 with other transients when he became involved in a fight with one of them who hit the victim over the head with a bottle.

The victim was transported to a local hospital by the Los Angeles City Fire Paramedics.  At the hospital the victim suffered a cardiac arrest and immediately had open heart surgery, but died a short time later.

According to detectives the incident does not appear to be gang related,  The identity of the victim is being withheld until verification from the Los Angeles Coroner's Office.

At this time there is no suspect description.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Hollenbeck Homicide Detectives Marin or Rios at 323-342-8961.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text "Crimes" with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with "LAPD."  Tipsters may remain anonymous.