Violent Abduction and Assault

My name is Elizabeth Assel and I am creating this GoFundMe request on behalf of my dear friend Liat who was assaulted and beaten by two assailants who abducted her kind, docile, 11-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback / Pit Bull mix, Drake. On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, Liat entered the 7-11 store on Burbank Boulevard in central North Hollywood and was savagely attacked within moments.

Tucked between small family-owned businesses and next door to a bustling late-night crowd at McDonald’s, this 7-11 offered Liat quick and easy access to an ATM. As she exited her car, she invited her sweet and docile 11-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback / Pit Bull mix to accompany her. Drake, the gentle giant was happy to comply. He is a very large dog, and his lineage can lend itself to an intimidating appearance for some people. Liat maintains very tight control of Drake in public; she does not want to scare anyone but does admit that she feels safer when he is with her.

She walked through a crowd of homeless, likely drunk or high, loud folks hanging out on the sidewalk near the entrance, entered the store, and proceeded to the ATM in the back corner of the 7-11. She was woefully unaware of the devastation that would ensue in the next few moments.

Known to the store clerk as drug dealers and troublemakers, two people, one female and one male, were caught by the clerk on video: https://www.youtube.com/@edjwellness2336

What is evident on the video is that Liat Golan was ambushed by her assailants. She was engaged by the woman who assaulted her with fists, elbows, kicks and stomping, while the man was pulling Drake away. As he tried to take the dog, Liat held on to Drake’s lead for dear life to no avail. The man kicked and hit Liat and finally unhooked the lead from the collar and exited the store with Drake, whose face bore a tragic look of fear and confusion.

Liat kept fighting to stop the woman. She was on the floor, without her glasses (they were knocked off and flew far away during the attack) and grasped the woman’s ankles as she attempted to exit. The woman struggled and kicked, her final blow a kick to the chest that stopped Liat cold.

Still, Liat ran out of the store and tried to catch the man who stole her dog as he drove away in a black SUV. Interestingly and tragically, no one could or would render aid. Perhaps this is a simple case of self-preservation. Unfortunately, Los Angeles and environs are well-versed in the “smash and grab” (malls and large department stores all over the southland) and “film but don’t engage” mentalities (think Dodger Stadium several years ago and a man who was so severely beaten, his life and quality of life will forever be dependent on 24-hours-a-day care).

Liat was beaten badly and spent most of the day in the ED at Providence St. Joseph’s in Burbank. She is stunned by the brutality and injuries of the attack, as well as completely devastated by the loss of her beloved companion.

LAPD’s Robbery Division detectives are on the case and Liat’s friends and business associates have rallied in support of her and the search for Drake and these horrible people.

The police have identified the suspects, but the investigation must be completely compliant with police investigation processes for arrests and charges that will lead to justice for Drake. In the meantime, Liat has been injured severely and cannot work for several weeks. She is a vital healthcare worker and a productive member of the NoHo community and has been sidelined physically and emotionally. Financial strain will be intense.

Most importantly, when we are able to bring Drake home, we want to use funds from this effort to have him trained in defensive tactics. We miss him, he is an angel, and he was so scared and confused. Please help. Anything you can donate will be a blessing and so appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your assistance and support.