DA Throws The Book At Protester Accused Of Throwing Books Onto 101

LOS ANGELES, CA — A protester involved in the immigration demonstration that occupied the streets of Downtown Los Angeles all last week was charged with throwing an object at a vehicle on the Hollywood (101) Freeway Monday, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Martin Richard Torres, a 42-year-old convicted felon, was charged with one felony count each of throwing an object at a vehicle or an occupant of a vehicle with intent to do great bodily injury and vandalism over $400 in defacement with graffiti, according to the District Attorney's Office.

“Everyone has the right to express their views and engage in peaceful protest — that is fundamental to our democracy,” District Attorney Hochman said. “But when actions cross the line into criminal behavior that endangers lives, my Office will not hesitate to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. Throwing objects onto a busy freeway is not an act of protest; it is a reckless and dangerous crime that could seriously injure or kill innocent people. If you use a protest as a cover for criminal activity, know this — you will be caught, you will be prosecuted, and you will be held accountable.”

According to prosecutors, Torres an object at a vehicle at about 11 a.m. last Monday and and vandalized a freeway sign near Spring Street and the 101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles. According to NBC, Los Angeles, Torres is accused of throwing two books onto the freeway.

Torres was arrested Friday, and he faces seven years, four months in prison if convicted.

The protests, which began Sunday and continued into the last weekend, were largely peaceful except for clashes Monday and a violent altercation between youths during a student march on Friday.