Scooter-riding suspect blasts two during annual World Naked Bike Ride; victims treated for lacerations as cops haul him away.
A man on a scooter allegedly opened fire with a BB gun on participants in Los Angeles’ annual naked bike ride Saturday morning, hitting two people in a shocking attack captured on video.
The bizarre incident erupted around 11 a.m. near the intersection of Temple Street and North Alameda Street in downtown LA, just as the 19th annual World Naked Bike Ride was rolling out.
Dozens of cyclists, many fully nude or barely covered, pedaled through the streets as part of the international event that encourages riders to “go as bare as you dare” to promote body positivity and cycling safety.
Shocking video from OnScene.TV shows the chaotic scene: blurred images of naked and semi-naked riders cruising past buildings and streets, followed by police detaining a man in a black hoodie and dark shorts.
Police say the suspect, described as a male dressed all in black and riding a scooter, fired the BB gun at nude cyclists near the event’s starting point. Two adult males were struck and suffered lacerations. Firefighters and paramedics treated the victims at the scene.
The suspect was quickly taken into custody and now faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon, with more charges pending, according to the LAPD.
The World Naked Bike Ride is a permitted event that draws large crowds each year in cities worldwide. Participants range from fully naked to painted or minimally clothed, riding routes through downtown LA.
It remains unclear whether the two victims hit by BBs were part of the ride or bystanders caught in the line of fire. The shooter’s motive is not yet known.
Cops responded swiftly to the 11 a.m. call and had the suspect in handcuffs shortly after.
The wild scene, naked cyclists rolling through the city streets one moment, a BB gun attack the next, left downtown LA buzzing, and the suspect headed for booking.
