Violent Bar Fight in Downtown Laguna Beach Ends in Man Being Struck by a Car
Two people were arrested following a violent bar fight that ended in a man being struck by a car in downtown Laguna Beach.
Suspects Identified
The suspects were identified as Itay Zaiger, 25, and Nicholas Tasooji, 39, according to the Laguna Beach Police Department.
Incident Details
On Dec. 7, police responded to an altercation on the 200 block of Beach Street at around 2:19 a.m.
Arriving officers found two men at the scene who said they were intentionally struck by a driver following an altercation that began at a local bar on Forest Avenue.
Bar Fight Escalates into Violence
Investigators learned that two groups of men were arguing inside the bar earlier that night over “philosophical differences between the Israeli/Palestinian conflict,” police said.
The hostilities continued outside of the bar before the confrontation turned physical.
Charges and Injuries
Zaiger reportedly chased a man in the opposing group and tackled him, police said. The man claimed Zaiger kicked him in the head several times after he was tackled to the ground, causing moderate head trauma.
Tasooji, a friend of the man who was tackled, then allegedly drove his vehicle onto the sidewalk and struck one of Zaiger’s friends, an unidentified 28-year-old man, police said. The impact caused significant injuries to his lower extremities. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Tasooji was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon with further charges pending the ongoing investigation.
Zaiger was arrested for assault likely to cause great bodily injury. He was released on bond with a future date to appear in court.
The incident remains under investigation by Laguna Beach police’s Major Crimes Detail. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Flagstad at 949-715-0984.
Conclusion
The violent bar fight in downtown Laguna Beach serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of altercations escalating into physical violence. Both suspects are facing serious charges, and the incident serves as a cautionary tale for those involved in violent altercations.
FAQs
Q: What was the cause of the altercation at the bar?
A: The altercation began over “philosophical differences between the Israeli/Palestinian conflict,” according to police.
Q: How many people were injured in the incident?
A: Two men were injured, one with significant injuries to his lower extremities and the other with moderate head trauma.
Q: What charges are the suspects facing?
A: Tasooji is facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon, while Zaiger is facing charges of assault likely to cause great bodily injury.
Q: Is the investigation ongoing?
A: Yes, the incident remains under investigation by Laguna Beach police’s Major Crimes Detail.
