The Los Angeles man brutally beaten up by a mob of bike-riding teens had hoped to make a quick trip to the store and watch a Lakers game before the violent attack derailed his night, leading to two arrests.
Maurice Benaim had stopped his car at the intersection of San Vicente Boulevard and Carillo Drive near Central LA when a group of “20-30” teens took over the roadway he wanted to cross.
“My day was so vanilla. All I wanted to do was go to the store, get my tangerine juice, maybe get some food and watch the Lakers game,” he told NBC Los Angeles.
“It’s a sad thing to have to deal with in general,” he added.
Benaim claimed he honked his horn to alert the teens of the impending light change, but the group grew upset and began to kick his car.
One of the cyclists claimed he had a gun in the bag before smashing Benaim’s right taillight, the outlet reported.
Benaim was attacked when he got out of car and confronted the teens.
He suffered injuries to the face and head and was also left dealing with trauma from the attack.
The delinquents fled the scene after bystanders intervened to help Benaim, who had been brought to the ground during the altercation.
“I’m thankful to God that it was only as bad as it was, but still, I don’t think anyone should have to worry,” Benaim said.
Benaim’s upper right eyelid sustained a large bruise, according to a photo shared by his brother on GoFundMe.
The family set up the fundraiser to help pay for Benaim’s medical bill and the costs needed to repair the family car.
The funds would also help pay for Benaim’s therapy and psychological support to help cope with the trauma he sustained that led to him having trouble sleeping.
Benaim’s brother, Judah, said they were hoping some of the $22,000 goal would be used to “pursue justice against the perpetrators.”
“No one should have to endure such a terrifying experience. By coming together, we can help Maurice heal and regain a sense of security,” Judah said in the post.
Los Angeles police in the Wilshire Area arrested two “juveniles” involved in the attack, the department said.
The two youngsters, who weren’t publicly identified, were found on Feb. 26 after a tip was sent into the LAPD.
Police did not release the ages or charges for the two suspects.
Benaim hopes the arrests would send a warning to the other teens involved.
“I just hope it’s a sign for them and their friends to put down the violence,” he said.