LOS ANGELES — An 18-year-old Long Beach man was charged with alleged assault and violation of civil rights.
Bryan Blancas pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of violation of civil rights, one count of dissuading a witness by force or threat and one count of battery.
On May 15, Blancas and his friends allegedly confronted a 17-year-old special needs African American teen. When the victim attempted to flee, Blancas is accused of knocking the victim to the ground and punching and kicking him multiple times in the head, face and torso.
Officials believe the beating was gang-related. The attack was caught on video.
Blancas was arrested May 21 in Long Beach. If convicted as charged, he faces a possible maximum sentence of life plus 17 years in state prison.
The case was investigated by the Long Beach Police Department.
