By Lookout Staff

April 27, 2023 -- Assault charges have been filed against two juveniles who attacked a fellow Expo Line passenger with skateboards last week after exiting the train at the Downtown terminal, police officials said Thursday.

The victim, an adult male, was taken to a local hospital for treatment after the attack, which took place last Wednesday at around 11:30 a.m., the Police Department said.

Officers responded to a report of a fight at the 400 block of Colorado Avenue and found the victim, who was "suffering from several cuts and bruises caused from an assault by multiple attackers," said Lt. Erika Aklufi.

The officers rendered aid and interviewed the victim and witnesses, who "were able to describe the suspects and (their) direction of travel," Aklufi said.

The suspects, all juveniles from Los Angeles, were "soon taken into custody without incident," she said.

The suspects "were transported to the police station, processed, and then released per County rules related to youthful offenders to their respective parents/guardians," Aklufi said.

According to the victim, "the incident started with a confrontation on a westbound E-Line train and ended with the attack" on the light rail train platform and the adjacent sidewalk, according to Aklufi.

The Santa Monica Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID), in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office, which handles incidents on the light rail system, successfully filed the case with the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution, police said.

"Assault charges were filed against the two juveniles seen striking the victim with their skateboards," Aklufi said.

Anyone with information pertaining to the incident or persons involved should call SMPD Criminal Investigations during business hours at 310-458-8451.