Los Angeles: Woman Charged in Brutal Attack on Latino Street Vendor

Los Angeles filed charges against the young woman accused of brutally attacking a Latino street vendor in downtown. The case renewed concerns about violence against street vendors and the protection of vulnerable victims.

The county district attorney’s office reported that Harmunie Heaven Church, 19 years old, faces serious charges following the attack that occurred on June 15. The victim is Arabelia Martínez, a 62-year-old street vendor.

What charges did the district attorney file?

District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced three charges against Church. She is accused of assault with force likely to cause serious injury, aggravated assault, and vandalism. Church pleaded not guilty on Monday. Bail was set at $105,000, according to information released by the district attorney’s office and police.

A 19-year-old woman has been charged for violently attacking a 60-year-old street vendor over a dispute concerning a hot dog purchase in downtown Los Angeles earlier this month.

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— Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office (@LADAOffice) June 30, 2026

If convicted on all charges, she could face up to 7 years and 8 months in state prison. This potential sentence reflects the seriousness with which authorities treated the case. Hochman stated that street vendors deserve to work without fear. He also said his office will vigorously prosecute those who attack vulnerable victims.

What do the attack videos show?

The incident occurred on the afternoon of June 15 in the 700 block of Figueroa Street. A video circulated on social media shows an argument that escalated quickly. According to reports, the conflict began over a hot dog purchase. The woman allegedly threw hot sauce on the vendor’s food, and Martínez responded with Tajín.

@abc7la #BREAKINGNEWS: Charges have been filed against the 19-year-old woman accused of attacking a #streetvendor at her stand in downtown #LosAngeles, ♬ original sound – ABC7LA

After that, the assault became physical. Martínez tried to flee, but both fell to the ground and the suspect allegedly punched her on the back of the head. Several people tried to separate them. Nevertheless, the suspect hit her again in the head and face, pulled her hair, and knocked her down again. Bystander intervention prevented a more severe assault. Finally, more people helped pull the suspect away when she attempted to hit Martínez a third time.

How is the investigation progressing?

Los Angeles police arrested Church on June 25 near downtown. The case was presented to the district attorney’s office for formal charging consideration. LAPD noted that the suspect was booked for felony assault with serious bodily injury. The booking number was also provided by police.