Two Arroyo Grande men charged for assaulting homeless victim

Suspects urinated on and violently attacked an elderly homeless man in a local park

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:30pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a discarded soda can on the ground, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The harsh, unforgiving light of a police camera flash captures the aftermath of a violent assault on a homeless individual, exposing the harsh realities faced by the most vulnerable members of the community.San Luis Obispo Today

Two men from Arroyo Grande, California are facing multiple felony charges after one of them urinated on an elderly homeless man and then both suspects violently assaulted the victim, leaving him with serious injuries. The incident was captured on the city's safety camera system, leading to the arrests of 18-year-old Malachy Damien Hayes and 20-year-old Boaz Winslow Brigham.

Why it matters

Attacks on vulnerable homeless individuals are a concerning trend, highlighting the need for greater community support and resources to protect this population. The incident also raises questions about public safety and security measures in local parks.

The details

According to police, the incident occurred shortly before 2 a.m. on March 20 at Elm Street Park in Arroyo Grande. A 9-1-1 caller reported an assault, and when officers arrived, they found an elderly homeless man who said he had been sleeping under the park's gazebo when he woke up to a man urinating on him. After confronting the suspect, the victim was violently attacked by the man who peed on him and a second suspect, who both repeatedly kicked the victim in the head and torso. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

  • The incident occurred shortly before 2 a.m. on March 20, 2026.
  • The suspects, Malachy Damien Hayes and Boaz Winslow Brigham, were later arrested by police.

The players

Malachy Damien Hayes

An 18-year-old Arroyo Grande resident charged with battery and elder abuse for his role in the assault.

Boaz Winslow Brigham

A 20-year-old Arroyo Grande resident charged with battery, elder abuse, and assault by use of force for his role in the attack.

Elm Street Park

The location in Arroyo Grande where the assault took place, which is equipped with a safety camera system that captured the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Investigators are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Arroyo Grande Police Department Detective Tim Ramirez at (805) 473-5110.”

— Arroyo Grande Police Department, Detective

What’s next

The suspects are currently facing multiple felony charges, and the case is ongoing as police continue their investigation.

The takeaway

This disturbing incident highlights the vulnerability of homeless individuals and the need for greater community support and resources to protect this population. It also raises concerns about public safety and security measures in local parks, underscoring the importance of effective surveillance and rapid response to incidents.