Police Identify Second Suspect in Tourist Attack

VENICE - Police on Tuesday identified Malik Preatto of Los Angeles as the second suspect in an assault that left a Danish visitor unconscious and seriously injured near Speedway and Washington Boulevard.

Preatto remains at large, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Investigators described him as Black, 6 feet 3 inches tall and about 175 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Police urged anyone who spots him to avoid contact and call 911.

The identification follows the release of surveillance photographs as detectives sought to identify two men seen separately approaching and assaulting the visitor, police said.

The visitor was found unconscious about 12:35 a.m. Oct. 30 with a laceration on the right side of his head, according to LAPD. Paramedics treated him at the scene before taking him to a hospital.

Police have already arrested the other suspect, Aiden Shaw, 25, of Turlock. Prosecutors filed felony charges against Shaw on Tuesday, including robbery and assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury. He also faces a felony count of battery causing serious bodily injury, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and court records.

Shaw surrendered to police Friday and was arrested around 10 p.m., LAPD said. He was booked at the Van Nuys Jail with bail set at $50,000.

His arraignment was expected Tuesday in Department 30 of the Airport Courthouse, 11701 S. La Cienega Blvd. The case number is 26ARCF02409.

Anyone with information about Preatto's whereabouts or the assault can contact LAPD Pacific Division Detective Patrick Foley at 323-369-1621 or 42685@lapd.online.

After hours, callers can reach the Pacific Division watch commander at 310-482-6334 or call 877-LAPD-24-7. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or lacrimestoppers.org.

Editor's Note: This story includes reporting from City News Service, a content partner of Westside Current.