Melrose Kosher Bakery Owner Handcuffed After Confrontation

This report is based on circulating video and accounts that have not been independently confirmed by law enforcement.

Videos that circulated widely across the Los Angeles Jewish community on Thursday, October 22, show the owner of Bella's Bread & Butter, the kosher bakery and cafe at 7212 Melrose Avenue, standing handcuffed outside the business after a confrontation there.

According to the Los Angeles Scoop WhatsApp chat, the owner and his son were confronted at the bakery by a man who had reportedly entered the store before, shouting antisemitic remarks and “Free Palestine” and trying to provoke fights. The owner reportedly subdued the man while defending himself, his son and his customers. The man was reportedly taken to a hospital.

In the video, people can be heard saying the man had been physically harassing customers. The person recording can be heard saying the owner had been defending himself, his son and his customers, and asking officers, “Is this justice in Los Angeles?”

Police reportedly removed the handcuffs and later released the owner from detention. The LAPD reportedly said the incident is under investigation. Later Thursday, the bakery was reportedly back open.

No police records released

As of publication, no police reports or records about the incident have been made public, and it is not known whether any charges will be filed. No public statement from the bakery had been located.

Bella's Bread & Butter is a kosher bakery and cafe on Melrose Avenue, listed under OK Kosher certification.

The LA Jewish Home will update this report as police or the business release more information.

Sources

• Los Angeles Scoop (WhatsApp)

• Bella's Bread & Butter, official website, for the business name and address