Man Killed Protecting Child From Attacker at Hollywood Restaurant

Police asked for the public's help today to find the man responsible for the death of a 57-year-old man who was attacked while he was trying to protect a child at a restaurant in Hollywood from a violent assault.

The incident which ultimately claimed Gabriel Ortega's life took place on June 18 about 9:35 p.m. at a restaurant in the 1400 block of Vine Street, between Sunset Boulevard and Fountain Avenue, according to Los Angeles police.

Ortega was inside the restaurant when he saw a man yelling at a young child. The suspect reportedly clenched his fist and walked toward the child. Ortega stepped in front of the child to shield him from the attack and told the suspect to leave the youngster alone, police said.

Ortega then told the suspect to get out of the restaurant and the man responded by punching Ortega before fleeing the scene, police said.

Ortega checked himself into a hospital three days later, but died from his injuries on July 14. The coroner determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma, police said.

The suspect is described as a man 30-to-40 years old.

Anyone with information on this suspect was asked to call LAPD's West Bureau Homicide Detectives Jose Robledo or Fernando Rivas at (213) 382-9470 or the 24-hour tipline at (877) 382-9470 or 911. All tips can be made anonymously.

--City News Service