Downtown L.A. Rally NR21071rc

Los Angeles: During a rally in Downtown an altercation broke out amongst protestors and counter protestors.

On March 13, 2021, around 11:15 a.m., Central area patrol officers responded to an altercation during a rally at First Street and Spring Street. The suspects and victims were involved in an argument. Two suspects took out OC spray and Bear spray to spray the victims. During the scuffle one victim set his belongings on the ground, when he looked back someone had taken his belongings. Upon further investigation the suspect was found in possession of the victim’s personal belongings.

The Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded and treated both victims at scene for OC spray.

A total of three protestors were arrested for the following charges:

Farah Martin Talab DOB: 8/12/94 242 PC Battery

Eric Smith DOB: 7/9/96 242 PC Battery

Thrashawn Lee DOB: 12/10/87 484 (a) Theft

The LAPD wants to remind the public that we are committed to ensuring everyone’s First Amendment Right to Freedom of Speech is protected during peaceful demonstrations, while also acting swiftly on any acts of violence.