Late-Night Mob in Downtown L.A.
Introduction to the Incident
The crowd gathered at midnight at Washington Boulevard and Maple Avenue. It’s unclear why dozens of people converged at the intersection just south of downtown Los Angeles, but some were dressed to party, wearing pink platform heels and cat ears, according to video shot by news outlet OnScene.TV. A man gulped from a jug filled with a flammable liquid that he spat onto a torch, throwing flames into the night sky.
Initial Activities of the Mob
As a helicopter circled overhead, a man wearing a leather jacket clambered up a light pole, his feet perched on a street sign. He pulled out his phone and appeared to film himself talking into the camera.
People stand near a police cruiser that was vandalized early Sunday morning.
(OnScene.TV)
Vandalism and Police Response
The crowd’s attention turned to an A Line train, which had stopped along its route on Washington Boulevard. According to the footage, vandals within the crowd began spray-painting the train and hammering on the windows.
The Los Angeles Police Department was alerted at 12:12 a.m. Sunday by a caller who said five male suspects had entered a train car and were vandalizing the interior, said Officer Kevin Terzes, an LAPD spokesperson.
Video showed dozens of LAPD officers massed in a skirmish line across the street from the mob, gripping black and green riot guns that fire foam rounds.
Escalation and Additional Incidents
At 12:19 a.m., the LAPD received another call of people being “disruptive” on a train at Washington Boulevard and Trinity Street, Terzes said.
The officer said no one was arrested in connection with either call. It wasn’t clear whether, separately, the LAPD arrested anyone in the group shown on video spray-painting the facades of a Panda Express, Waba Grill, dialysis center and medical clinic.
Some in the crowd posed for selfies next to a spray-painted LAPD cruiser. They cursed at the officers, hurled a firework and kicked at the police car as the officers drove away, according to the video.
Impact on Train Service
Train service was delayed about 20 minutes after about 50 people blocked southbound and northbound trains at Washington Boulevard and Maple Avenue at midnight, said Jose Ubaldo, a Metro spokesperson.
Vandals spray-painted the exterior and interiors of the trains, but no passengers or Metro employees were hurt, Ubaldo said in a statement.
He asked that anyone with information about the incident contact the LAPD at (800) 222-8477.
Conclusion
The late-night mob that wreaked havoc in downtown L.A. caused significant disruptions and damage to property. The swift response by the LAPD and the call for information from the public are crucial steps in addressing the incident and preventing future occurrences. It is essential for the community to come together to maintain peace and order in the city.
FAQs
What was the nature of the incident in downtown L.A.?
A late-night mob gathered and caused vandalism, including spray-painting buildings and trains, and disrupted train service.
Were there any arrests made during the incident?
According to the information provided, no one was arrested in connection with the calls made to the LAPD regarding the vandalism and disruption.
How long was the train service delayed?
The train service was delayed by about 20 minutes due to the blockage by the mob.
Is there any information on how to report additional details about the incident?
Yes, the public is asked to contact the LAPD at (800) 222-8477 with any information related to the incident.
