CITY OF COMMERCE : Counselor Critically Injured by 2 Youths in Escape Try

A counselor at a City of Commerce juvenile detention facility was clinging to life Monday after he was attacked with a metal table leg by a pair of teen-aged boys who were trying to escape, authorities said.

Arnold Garcia, 58, of Los Angeles was taken to County-USC Medical Center in extremely critical condition after the early morning attack at the Dorothy Kirby Juvenile Detention Center on South McDonnell Avenue, Sheriff’s Deputy Diane Hecht said.

Detectives said Garcia suffered severe head injuries and was on life-support systems.

Because they are minors, authorities withheld the identities of the two youths, ages 16 and 17. Hecht said both had been detained for suspected burglary and handgun possession, and one was facing potential arson charges.

The deputy said the two were captured in a railroad yard adjacent to the hall shortly after their escape. They denied having attacked the man, authorities said.

The youths were held briefly at the East Los Angeles sheriff’s station but were moved to Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, where they are being held on suspicion of attempted murder, authorities said.