Arrest Made in Violent Confrontation NR23704km

Los Angeles:  On October 1, 2023, an organized protest and march for tenants’ rights took place in the Hollenbeck community of Los Angeles.  During this protest, several members of the group engaged in criminal conduct which necessitated the intervention of law enforcement.

As Los Angeles Police Department Hollenbeck officers attempted to initiate the arrest for the criminal activity, several members of the crowd engaged in a violent altercation with officers attempting to free the individual under arrest.  One suspect obstructing the arrest was able to forcibly remove both personal and Department property from the possession of a uniformed police officer, and in the chaos of the incident, was able to evade arrest.  The actions by members of the crowd to disrupt the arrest, resulted in injuries to seven different officers.

LAPD’s Major Crimes Division investigated this incident and ultimately identified the primary suspect, 57-year-old Gustavo Otzoy.  On October 3, 2023, Otzoy was taken into custody and booked for 211 PC / Robbery.  His bail was set at $50,000 (Booking No. 6688342).

On October 5, 2023, this case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s

Office for filing consideration.  The District Attorney’s Office filed one count of 69 PC / Felony Resisting Arrest. Otzoy remains in custody.

The Los Angeles Police Department will continue the investigation into additional crimes related to this incident.

Photograph of Otzoy grabbing the officer.