A popular street food vendor who serves free meals to the homeless on L.A.’s Skid Row was brutally beaten by a suspect who remains at large.
Chris Bailey, known on TikTok as @kloverkinglosangeles, can typically be seen on the busy streets of downtown Los Angeles cooking on his food cart and offering meals to those who stop by.
On April 22, around noontime, Bailey had set up his station near 1st Street and Grand Avenue when he was approached by a stranger and violently beaten in broad daylight.
“I was packing up, putting my stuff back in my car and out of nowhere, I turn around and this guy says, ‘This is for glizzy,’ and he hit me in the face,” Bailey recalled. “The paramedic said that he definitely had a metal object in his hand. I didn’t know if it was a gun or brass knuckles, but he cut me down my face and all across my eyelid. I have eight stitches in my face.”
He didn’t recognize the attacker, but suspects he may have been sent by a fellow street vendor, someone he’s known for a while. He didn’t name the vendor, but believes the person has issues with his social media success.
“I have loyal support on TikTok,” Bailey told KTLA’s John Fenoglio. “I know that I’ve inspired so many people to be better.”
Bailey said he was compelled to give back to the community as he also once struggled with addiction and homelessness.
“I’ve only tried to help people since I’ve been sober and free from addiction,” he said. “I got myself out of homelessness using street food. It’s what I love to do and I’m paying it forward.”
Every weekend, long lines can be seen down the block as Bailey and his crew feed homeless residents in the greater L.A. area. He often posts about the food service on TikTok and relies on donations and the generosity of his over 381,000 followers to sustain the free meals.
After January’s devastating wildfires, Bailey helped organize donations and cooked free meals for thousands of volunteers and fire victims at the Santa Anita race track.
Although Bailey said he was shocked and angry over the assault, he’s thankful to be alive and has no plans to stop feeding those who are down on their luck or in need of a hot meal.
“I’m in a lot of pain,” he said. “I’m never gonna give up, no matter what. This doesn’t stop me. I’m a street vendor. I’m living my best life. I’m trying to raise my daughter the right way and be the best father I can. I’m not bothering anybody. I’m a good person and I don’t deserve this.”
The attacker remains at large and anyone who may have witnessed the assault or has information is urged to call the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-527-3247.
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