Man Attacks Petco Park Parking Lot Worker

Suspect arrested after allegedly hitting employee with wooden cane, causing head injuries

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:55am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken wooden cane against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh camera flash, conceptually representing the weapon used in a violent attack on a Petco Park employee.A broken wooden cane, the weapon used in a violent attack on a Petco Park parking lot employee, captures the stark reality of workplace violence.San Diego Today

A 20-year-old man was arrested in San Diego after allegedly attacking a Petco Park parking lot employee, leaving the victim with two lacerations to the head that required hospitalization. The suspect, Lathapoun Keovongsa, was later found holding a wooden stick and was uncooperative with police commands.

Why it matters

Incidents of violence against service workers have been on the rise, raising concerns about public safety and the need for better security measures at large venues like Petco Park. This case highlights the risks faced by employees who interact with the public.

The details

According to the San Diego Police, the ACE employee from the tailgate lot at Petco Park was sitting on an electrical box when Keovongsa began hitting him on the head with a broken handle of a wooden cane. The employee sustained two lacerations to his head and was transported to a local hospital for treatment, though his injuries were non-life-threatening. Keovongsa was later located nearby, still holding a six-foot wooden stick, and was uncooperative with police commands during his arrest.

  • The incident occurred on April 13, 2026.

The players

Lathapoun Keovongsa

A 20-year-old man who was arrested for allegedly attacking a Petco Park parking lot employee.

ACE Employee

A worker at the Petco Park tailgate lot who was assaulted by Keovongsa, sustaining head injuries.

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What’s next

The suspect, Lathapoun Keovongsa, will appear in court on Tuesday to face charges related to the attack.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring the safety of employees who interact with the public, especially at high-traffic venues like Petco Park. It underscores the need for improved security measures and de-escalation training to protect service workers.