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LAPD arrest suspect in North Hollywood attack that left Sikh man severely injured
Meanwhile, Sikh Coalition has questioned LAPD’s decision to not treat the incident as hate crime.
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Pranavi Sharma - Wed, 13, Aug 2025
- 00:16 EDT
- 349
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. / Los Angeles Police Department
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officials said on Aug.12 that they have arrested 44-year-old Bo Richard Vitagliano, an unhoused man with an extensive criminal record, in connection with the North Hollywood attack. The Aug.4 incident, which took place near the Sikh Gurdwara of LA at Lankershim Boulevard and Saticoy Street, left 70-year-old Harpal Singh severely injured.
Police said Singh, who remains in critical condition, was attacked with a golf club after an argument with Vitagliano. Witnesses reported hearing a commotion and seeing the two men swinging metal objects at each other before Singh was struck multiple times, including while he was on the ground. Bystanders intervened, and the suspect fled on a bicycle. Vitagliano was arrested later that day after officers spotted him with his bicycle on Lankershim Boulevard and Arminta Street. Surveillance camera footage had helped identify him.
According to LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, Vitagliano has prior arrests for assault with a deadly weapon, narcotics offenses, and possession of weapons. Police are not currently investigating the case as a hate crime.
ALSO READ: Sikh man attacked in North Hollywood, police launch probe
Meanwhile, the Sikh Coalition has called on the LAPD to fully investigate the motive behind the assault, questioning the decision to not treat the incident as a hate crime.
In a statement, the group said it was too early to rule out bias as a factor. “The suspect has been in custody for less than 24 hours, and Harpal ji himself remains unconscious and has thus been unable to sit for a full police interview, with professional translation services,” the group said. “After such an interview happens, if the LAPD still believes this was not a hate crime, they must publicly clarify how they determined hate was not a factor in this assault.”
Dr. Gurdial Singh Randhawa, Harpal Singh’s brother, welcomed the arrest but echoed the call for more answers. “I am grateful to hear that the police have arrested a suspect for the horrific assault of my brother, but we need to better understand this attack and why it is not being considered a hate crime,” he said. “Justice must be served, and our local Sikh community must know that the area around our gurdwara is safe for all.”
Community members, local officials, and advocacy groups gathered in North Hollywood the day after the attack to show support for Singh’s family. Speakers included Councilmembers Adrin Nazarian and Monica Rodriguez, representatives from Congressman Brad Sherman’s office, the LA County Human Relations Commission, Stop AAPI Hate, and the Sikh Gurdwara of Los Angeles.
The Sikh Coalition has urged the public to contact the LAPD and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office to demand transparency in the investigation.
WATCH: Yesterday afternoon, our Legal Director Munmeeth Kaur spoke at a press conference alongside the family of Harpal Singh, members of the LA sangat, elected officials, and allies.
— Sikh Coalition (@sikh_coalition) August 12, 2025
We are deeply grateful for the wider community's show of support in this critical moment. pic.twitter.com/8psUyX1T9j
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