LOS ANGELES (Diya TV) — Los Angeles Police Department officials have arrested a 44-year-old man in connection with a brutal attack that left a 70-year-old Sikh man critically injured in North Hollywood. The arrest has sparked debate over whether the assault should be investigated as a hate crime.
Police identified the suspect as Bo Richard Vitagliano, an unhoused man with a long criminal history that includes assault, drug, and weapons charges. Officers took him into custody on Aug. 4 after spotting him riding a bicycle on Lankershim Boulevard near Arminta Street. Surveillance footage and witness statements helped identify him.
The incident occurred earlier that day near the Sikh Gurdwara of Los Angeles, at Lankershim Boulevard and Saticoy Street. Police said Vitagliano attacked Harpal Singh, 70, with a golf club after an argument. Singh suffered multiple blows, including strikes while he was on the ground.
Witnesses reported hearing shouting and seeing both men swinging metal objects before Singh fell. Bystanders intervened, and the suspect fled the scene. Singh was taken to the hospital and remains in critical condition.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said investigators believe the assault was linked to a dispute over property belonging to the victim. He stated that the evidence so far does not indicate the attack was motivated by Singh’s religion or ethnicity.
“Based on our initial investigation, this is not being treated as a hate crime,” McDonnell said. “The North Hollywood command will be increasing patrols in the area and will continue to work with the community to ensure safety.”
Vitagliano remains held at Van Nuys jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon.
The Sikh Coalition challenged the LAPD’s decision to rule out bias so early in the case. The group said Singh is still unconscious and has not yet been able to state with a professional translator present.
“The suspect has been in custody for less than 24 hours, and Harpal ji himself remains unable to speak for a full police interview,” the coalition said in a statement. “If the LAPD still believes this was not a hate crime after that interview, they must explain how they reached that conclusion.”
The coalition urged the public to contact the LAPD and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to demand transparency in the investigation. Singh’s brother, Dr. Gurdial Singh Randhawa, welcomed the arrest but echoed the call for more clarity.
“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,” Randhawa said. “Justice must be served, and our local Sikh community must know that the area around our gurdwara is safe for all.”
A day after the attack, community members, elected officials, and advocacy groups gathered in North Hollywood to show solidarity with Singh’s family. Attendees included Los Angeles City Councilmembers Adrin Nazarian and Monica Rodriguez, representatives from Congressman Brad Sherman’s office, the LA County Human Relations Commission, Stop AAPI Hate, and leaders from the Sikh Gurdwara of Los Angeles.
Many speakers called for a thorough investigation and assured the Sikh community that local leaders would work to improve safety around places of worship.
The attack has raised renewed concerns among Sikh Americans about bias-motivated violence. The Sikh Coalition has documented cases nationwide where victims were targeted for their turbans, beards, or traditional attire. The group says quick dismissals of hate crime motives can erode trust between police and vulnerable communities.
While the LAPD has committed to extra patrols near the gurdwara, community advocates say more needs to be done to address safety concerns and rebuild confidence. As the investigation continues, Harpal Singh remains hospitalized. His family says they hope for his recovery but also justice and transparency in the case.
