Investigative reporter attacked on the job
Published: 9/6/2006 3:46:52 PM
FOX 6 investigative journalist John Mattes was attacked by a couple he was investigating, and was hospitalized, on Tuesday.
During Tuesday's incident Mattes suffered cracked ribs, bite wounds and cuts to his face all of which was captured on video and ended with two arrests.
Mattes was working on a story about alleged real estate fraudster Sam Suleiman.
Mattes and FOX 6 Photojournalist Dennis Waldrop were interviewing a man outside a house in La Jolla when, alerted to the crew's presence by an associate, Sulieman's wife Rosa Baraza arrived.
Mattes had uncovered an elaborate scam allegedly carried out by Suleiman in which he stole identities so he could buy houses and then rent them to others.
In video footage, Baraza is seen screaming and swearing at Mattes and Waldrop.
She sprays a bottle of water at the pair and strikes Mattes in the face with the plastic container.
Suleiman was then seen stepping out of a car and walking up to Mattes. Suleiman was filmed punching Mattes in the face and head, before putting him in a head lock.
The man who was about to be interviewed can be seen intervening and trying to pull Suleiman off Mattes. The three fall to the floor where Suleiman continues to kick Mattes.
http://www.fox6.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=67522AFC-D21F-4497-8BFE-2A7F82DC0094
There is video on the page.
