WESTMINSTER : Police Arrest Suspect in Fatal Beating

Police have arrested one of three men suspected of beating a 31-year-old father of two to death in an apartment complex carport.

Gregorio Argueta Ortiz, 22, was arrested late Thursday night in connection with the death of Armando Salgado Arellano, who was beaten with sticks, beer bottles and a baseball bat during an attack Tuesday night in the 7100 block of Maple Street.

Ortiz, of Westminster, is being held at Orange County Jail on suspicion of murder. His bail has been set at $252,500.

“We have arrested one suspect but still have two others who we are looking for, including a primary suspect,” Detective Mike Proctor said. He would not give any further details.

Police said Ortiz was part of large group of men who attacked Arellano after he confronted them about their drinking party and about stolen car parts.

Co-workers of Arellano, who worked as a cook at a Coco’s restaurant in Garden Grove for more than four years, have established a fund for his family, which includes his wife Sandra, 24, and daughters, ages 3 and 4.

“Everyone is devastated,” said co-worker Kathy Caccamise. “We all feel for his wife and kids. We don’t know how they are going to handle all of this financially or emotionally.”

Donations for the Arellano Family Fund can be sent to Coco’s, c/o Tim Lush, manager, 12032 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, Calif. 92640. Checks should be made out to Sandra Arellano.