A bouncer at a popular West Hollywood nightclub has been arrested nearly two weeks after he allegedly punched a man in the face as he tried to enter the bar, causing severe head trauma.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. on April 5 at the Heart We Ho nightclub in the 8900 block of Santa Monica Boulevard.
LASD has released few details about the incident, but according to a news release from the department, 53-year-old Alberto Vasquez was arrested by family and friends because the club’s security guard did not have proper identification. The victim, who was identified as the victim, was refused entry.
“Both the suspect and victim engaged in an altercation and physical altercation, and the suspect punched the victim once in the face,” authorities said in a statement.
Vazquez, a famous hairstylist whose clients include celebrities, was found unconscious near a parking lot in a corner of West Hollywood, famous for its nightlife. The 53-year-old man suffered severe head injuries that required surgery to remove part of his fractured skull.
Vasquez’s family believes the incident was the result of “gay bashing.” However, authorities have so far provided few details about the investigation.
“So we haven’t gotten into the exact details of the incident yet,” LASD Capt. William Mulder told KTLA’s Chris Wolf. “We are informing the media and the public that there was a physical and verbal altercation that resulted in today’s situation.”
The victim’s sister, Gloria Jimenez, told KTLA she was at least glad the story got out.
“We are thrilled that the correct news has come out that he was in fact assaulted by a security guard,” she said. “I still have a lot of questions.”
Singer, dancer and former *NSYNC superstar Lance Bass was an original partner at Heart Weho, which was once billed as the largest gay nightclub in the United States. Bass is no longer affiliated with the nightclub, but released the following statement regarding the recent violence:
“When I first joined Heart, my mission was clear: To foster a place where people can find safety, have fun, and be their true selves. It is very sad to know that there are individuals who pose a potential threat to others.”
A security guard at the club was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. Capt. Mulder told KTLA that arrests like this are rare.
“In the evening, we have a recreational police team with a sergeant and five sub-inspectors,” he explained. “They work with a variety of security and management at various clubs, bars and restaurants, and they always do a great job in dealing with all of them.”
As for Vazquez, who remains in the hospital, his family says he is improving and starting to talk.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Lombera of the LASD West Hollywood Station at 310-358-4028. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or leave a tip with LA Crime Stoppers online.
