Man chopped for waving at girl

A 33-year-old Palo Seco construction worker was chopped for waving at a girl on the beach, police said yesterday. Hayden Howie of Ninth Road was undergoing emergency surgery yesterday evening at San Fernando General Hospital for wounds to his head, ribs and wrist. A 30-year-old man, who was said to be a close relative of the girl, was held for questioning by police. According to reports, shortly after midday, Howie was liming on the beach at Palo Seco when he waved at a girl whom he said he knew.

Howie said the girl did not respond but continued walking along the beach. He then went into the water to bathe. Around 1.30 pm, as the construction worker emerged from the water he was confronted by the girl’s close relative who came riding along the beach on a bicycle. Police said an argument ensued and the biker pulled out a weapon from the side of the bike and dealt several chops to Howie’s body. As Howie collapsed on the beach, witnesses rushed to his assistance and took him for medical treatment at hospital.