Two arrested following attack on Marine

COSTA MESA — A U.S. Marine has been left with critical head injuries following an unprovoked attack that took place in the Triangle Square parking structure just after 2 a.m. Monday, according to a Costa Mesa police report.

The alleged attacker, Mark Allen Vasquez, 24, of Pico Rivera, was taken into custody following the beating and booked for felony assault with serious injury.

Also arrested near the scene was John Anthony Vela, 25, of Whittier, who was attempting to drive Vasquez away before being stopped by police and booked for driving under the influence.

The Marine, Alex Martinez, 21, of Long Beach, was on leave from Hawaii and out with a friend, 21-year-old Victor Zavala of Long Beach, at the Sutra Lounge, located in the 1800 block of Harbor Boulevard. When the two left Sutra and entered the parking structure to meet a prearranged ride, they were confronted by the suspects who initiated a verbal confrontation. Martinez and Zavala reportedly tried to avoid the confrontation and walked away.

However, as the victims waited for their ride on the fourth floor of the parking structure, Vasquez attacked the two physically, striking both with punches and rendering them unconscious.

Witnesses called police and were able to provide suspect and vehicle descriptions, leading to the arrests of Vasquez and Vela.

Police and paramedics arrived at the scene of the assault to find that Zavala had regained consciousness and was able to relate what happened. Martinez was still unconscious and suffering from a head injury that police believe he sustained when he fell and struck the concrete of the parking structure after being punched.

Martinez was transported to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, where his condition is listed as critical. Zavala was treated at the scene and didn’t request further treatment.

Costa Mesa police ask anyone with information related to this incident to call Det. Scott Stafford at (714) 754-5363 or Sgt. Ed Everett at (714) 754-5395.