Police Investigating Tussle Between Teen and Janitor

UPDATE: 2:20 p.m. The video has been made public again. To read what Superintendent Joel Shapiro has to say, click here. 

UPDATE: 1:20 p.m. Since Patch posted the story with the link to the You Tube video, the video has been made "private.'' Bartl said it was not the police department who changed the status, nor did the department request the status be changed. 

UPDATE 11:53 a.m. A You Tube video showing a South Pasadena Middle School janitor pushing a teenager and chest bumping him has shed new light on an assault investigation, South Pasadena Police said. 

Det. Sgt. Robert Bartl said Wednesday that a case first described as three skateboarders attacking a janitor appears now to show the janitor as the aggressor in the situation. 

"We're continuing to investigate, and need to talk to the teenager involved, but what we're seeing on the video is different than initial reports,'' Bartl said, adding it is unclear if the teen is a minor, or if he attends South Pasadena Unified School District. 

An unidentified teenager filming the incident can be heard telling the janitor, "Dude, you're tripping, bro,'' before the janitor again pushes the teen. Eventually, the teen shoves the janitor into the bushes. 

Patch will continue to update this story as more information becomes available. 

Earlier: The evening custodian at South Pasadena Middle School was attacked Tuesday by three teenagers on skateboards, after he asked them to leave campus, according to Principal David Kubela.

In a message emailed to parents just before 8 p.m. Tuesday, Kubela wrote: 

"I wanted to inform you about an incident that occurred today after school on the southeast part of the campus near Oak Street. The school’s evening custodian was assaulted at about 3:00 PM by three male skateboarders when he asked them to leave the campus.

"Apparently, the custodian was thrown down and the assailants hit his head on the ground. The assailants fled and police and paramedics were called. The custodian was treated by the paramedics and transported to the hospital for further treatment. I am in touch with the family and am waiting for an update on his condition. There were a number of witnesses and the police are investigating. The three suspects appeared to be of high school age or older.

"I am in touch with Chief Miller from the South Pasadena Police Department and Superintendant Shapiro. There will be an increased police presence tomorrow, including patrols on the campus after school, to ensure student and staff safety.

"In addition to the school fencing this summer, we will examine the area to identify any possible safety enhancements. I will keep you informed about any further developments. I am sure you will join me in wishing him a speedy recovery.''

Patch is awaiting a returned phone call from the police department, and will update this story as more details become available.

Patch Asks: Did you see Tuesday's attack? Do you know the evening custodian? 

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