This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Pinkberry Co-Founder Will Stand Trial for Assault on Transient
The co-founder of the Pinkberry frozen yogurt shop chain has been ordered to stand trial on charges he assaulted a transient with a tire iron near a freeway off-ramp last year.
47-year-old Young Lee, whose relationship with Pinkberry was severed in 2010, pleaded not guilty in January on accusations he went after Donald Bolding, a transient who approached him asking for money while Lee sat in his car on the Vermont Avenue off-ramp of the 101 Freeway in June 2011.
Lee was allegedly offended by Bolding's sexually explicit tattoo, and subsequently chased him down and attacked him with a tire iron.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Terry A. Bork denied the defense's motion to dismiss the case against Lee, according to City News Service. Deputy District Attorney Hilary Williams described the evidence presented during the preliminary hearing as "overwhelming,'' telling the judge that Bolding was unarmed and did not instigate the attack.
Lee has been free on $60,000 bail since his arrest in January. He is due back in court August 2 for arraignment. Bolding, who is jailed on unrelated drug charges, has also filed a civil suit against Lee.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
