Viral Video Captures Shocking Beatdown as Man is Dragged in Middle of Major Lafayette Street
In a shocking incident captured on video and quickly going viral online, a man was viciously beaten in broad daylight on Moss Street, one of Lafayette's busiest roadways. The disturbing footage, recorded near the Northgate Mall area and shared by Zarian Landry on Facebook, shows a man in dark clothing assaulting another individual who appears shirtless, wearing long khaki shorts and blue tennis shoes.
The video begins with the aggressor standing over the victim, delivering punches and kicks as the man lies on the ground.
Moments later, a second individual, wearing a light grey tank top and khaki shorts, joins in, helping to drag the victim by his belt to the sidewalk adjacent to a local business, where the manhandling continues.
Although the audio quality of the video is poor, viewers have reported hearing the victim claiming to be from Carencro, a plea that did not appear to phase the other two men standing over him.
The Lafayette Police Department confirmed that officers responded to calls about the incident. Sergeant Robin Green provided details, stating, "We received a call about the incident at 4:22 pm on Tuesday, April 2. The incident occurred in the 1900 block of Moss Street. Upon arrival, our officers found that the assailants had already fled the scene. The victim was transported to the hospital with injuries consistent with a possible concussion."
As of now, the viral video continues to spread across social media platforms, drawing attention to the violent encounter. Despite its widespread circulation, authorities have yet to identify the individuals responsible for beating and dragging the man.
There have been rumors that the man being beaten was allegedly damaging vehicles or property nearby but that information has not been confirmed by authorities. We've reached out to Lafayette police to find out if there is any new information related to this incident or how it may have started.
UPDATE:
According to authorities, the man seen being beaten in the video has been identified as Karon Hamilton. Detective Kenderis Handy of the Lafayette Police Department revealed Hamilton suffered lacerations and a facial contusion but declined medical treatment.
While Hamilton was initially detained for allegations of property damage near the scene of the attack, he was not charged for these accusations. However, a routine background check during his detainment unveiled multiple outstanding warrants, including for a domestic incident, leading to his arrest.
We will update this story if any information becomes available.
LOOK: What major laws were passed the year you were born?
Gallery Credit: Katelyn Leboff