Rush-Hour Takeover Of Freeway For Music Video Shoot Lands LA Man In Court

LOS ANGELES, CA — A Los Angeles man is facing charges after prosecutors say he shut down rush-hour traffic on the 110 Freeway to film a music video.

Eduardo Erik Martínez, 32, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to one felony count of conspiracy to commit exhibition of speed and two counts of felony vandalism, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

On the evening of Nov. 22, 2023, prosecutors claim Martínez had several vehicles block the northbound 110 Freeway near the Ninth Street offramp. He filmed a music video on the freeway while other vehicles did donuts behind him and around him.

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“This was incredibly reckless behavior, all in search of a ‘viral moment’ on social media,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “This past summer I announced that we’re partnering with law enforcement to crack down on and eliminate reckless street takeovers that can lead to death and other types of crimes that hurt our communities. If you choose to treat our streets like your own personal playground, you will find yourself in a criminal courtroom.”

Martínez also is also accused of vandalizing a courthouse bench while he was appearing for an unrelated incident at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center in 2024.

His bail was set at $100,000.

He's due back in court on Dec. 11 for a preliminary hearing. If convicted as charged, Martínez faces a maximum sentence of four years and four months in jail, according to the DA's office.