A beloved Barney's Beanery valet was on the mend Wednesday following a brutal attack outside the West Hollywood restaurant over the weekend that authorities have characterized as attempted murder.
Her attacker remains at large.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department was seeking the public's help by releasing photographs in hopes of identifying the man suspected of Saturday night's assault of Efrain “Frankie” Zarazua, as well as the assault of two additional victims.
Zarazua, who has worked at the popular WeHo bar for more than 30 years, remained in the hospital Wednesday afternoon, according to AJ Sacher, director of operations for Barney's Beanery in West Hollywood.
“His condition is improving,” Sacher said, “which is miraculous given the severity of the attack.”
The suspect, who was shirtless, was captured on surveillance video wearing a white baseball cap and gray sweatpants. In the attack, which occurred at 10:10 p.m., the attacker punched Zarazua, causing him to fall to the ground, and then repeatedly kicked him in the head and upper torso, according to the Sheriff's Department.
Anyone with information regarding the suspect, additional victims or witnesses is asked to contact Detective Brandon Zeff at (310) 358-4033 or [email protected], or leave an anonymous tip at (800) 222-8477.
Sacher identified the other two victims as a Barney's cook who was waiting at the bus stop next to the restaurant and a passerby outside Soho House on Holloway Drive.
According to Sacher, Zarazua heard a commotion when the first two attacks occurred, ran to see what was happening and was then chased into the parking lot and brutally assaulted.
The valet's family has set up a GoFundMe page to cover his medical expenses and lost wages. The campaign quickly surpassed its $30,000 goal and by Wednesday afternoon had raised more than $47,000.
“May God bless you all and we will pray for a speedy recovery for Frankie,” his family wrote on the fundraising page. “Justice will be served once we have the culprit who attacked him in custody.”
Sacher said he was deeply moved, but not surprised, by the outpouring of support.
“It’s not unexpected, considering how long Frank has been a valet at Barney’s — more than 30 years — and what a wonderful person he is,” she said. “He has a big heart, he’s welcoming, he’s generous, he’s kind, and he’s been that way to literally thousands of people.”
On Wednesday, Barney's Beanery turned its National Cheeseburger Day celebrations into a fundraiser for Zarazua, putting proceeds from sales of its “Juicy Lucy” burgers toward her medical expenses. The restaurant intends to continue to bring light to the incident in the coming days and weeks.
“We still need support and awareness because the person who did this to her is still out there,” Sacher said. “It’s scary to say it.”
