Police arrest suspect in taco stand assault

handcuffs
Photo credit Getty Images

A woman who allegedly assaulted an employee at a taco stand in the Watts area over the weekend was arrested, police said Thursday.

Officers responded around 6:35 p.m. Sunday to the intersection of Grandee Avenue and 103rd Street to a reported assault, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

A preliminary investigation revealed to detectives that a female suspect punched and pepper sprayed the employee after she was asked to pay for the food that she had consumed, police said.

On Wednesday, authorities identified Renee Latrice Hines as a person of interest, and sought the public's help to find her.

On Thursday, police announced that Hines, 36, of Bakersfield had been arrested. Hines was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, and her bail was set at $30,000.

According to police, a bystander began recording Hines after the assault as she walked to her car. Police said Hines got upset and allegedly grabbed the taco stand sign and threw it in the bystander's direction. Hines fled in a vehicle presumed to be a purple 2007 Lexus with California license plate number 8VIT633, police said.

Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics treated the taco stand employee for her injuries.

Anyone with information regarding the assault was urged to contact Detective Channing Lang of the LAPD at 213-972-7888 or Detective Kelly Sullivan at 213-972-7886. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. During non-business hours or weekends, calls should be directed to 877-527-3247.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images