Teen Arrested in Hate Crime Brawl

Los Alamitos police are asking for help identifying suspects in a violent brawl at a Los Alamitos home at the 3800 block of Howard Avenue.

Three people were injured in the March 16 assault by five suspects who attacked them in retaliation for an earlier altercation at a Long Beach hotel, according to police.

"One victim sustained injuries to her face and torso, while a second victim also sustained injuries to their torso. The third victim sustained injuries to their head," said Los Alamitos Police Department Spokesman Bruce McAlpine.

Almost two weeks later, detectives working the case arrested Michael Joseph Moreno, 18, on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, delaying a peace officer in the performance of their duties, and a hate crime because one of the victims was African American, said McAlpine. According to police, Moreno, a Huntington Beach resident, struck each of the victims with a billy club.

Anyone with more information about the attack is asked to call to Los Alamitos Police Department Detective Bureau at 562-431-2255 x 405.

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