LAPD Statement on Roe v. Wade Demonstrations – NR22180ti

June 28, 2022                                                                                                                     NR22180rc

                                                                                     UPDATE

Today, the Deputy District Attorney filed three counts on Michael Ortiz. The first charge is Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer. The second charge, Assault with Intent to Commit Mayhem and the third charge is an enhancement for Personal Use of a Deadly Weapon. His Bail is set at $110,000.

Downtown LA: On Friday, June 24, 2022 at around 8:20 p.m., LAPD officers at 5th Street and Main were assaulted by projectiles, fireworks and a makeshift blow torch, resulting in two arrests and four officers injured.

LAPD officers made one arrest for 69 PC ‘Resisting an Executive Officer’ and the other for ‘Attempted Murder’ on a police officer.

The suspect involved in the 69 PC arrest repeatedly attempted to take an officer’s baton. A 40 mm less lethal round was fired at her and she was later taken into custody.

Suspect, 23-year-old, Juliana Bernado was booked for 69 PC Resisting an Executive Officer, Booking Number 6405764

The suspect arrested for attempt murder was responsible for the injuries to the officer who was transported and treated for burns from a makeshift flame thrower.

Suspect, 30-year-old, Michael Ortiz was booked for 187 (a) PC Attempt Murder, Booking Number 6405773

Today Chief Moore stated “I condemn the violence against officers that occurred last night and into today. Individuals participating in such criminal activity are not exercising their 1st Amendment rights in protest of the Supreme Court decision, rather, they are acting as criminals. The Department will vigorously pursue prosecution of these individuals.”

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States released its decision concerning Roe v. Wade. As a result of this decision, a series of demonstrators took to the streets to exercise their First Amendment Rights.

The vast majority of those involved were peaceful and law abiding, however, a much smaller group of individuals took to the streets with the intention of creating chaos and destruction. The Los Angeles Police Department in combination with the California Highway Patrol responded to a group who overtook the 110 Freeway at approximately 7 p.m. The combined efforts of the two agencies were able to clear the freeway and no arrests were made.

At approximately 9:50 p.m., in the downtown area, groups continued to assemble at 5th Street and Main Street, with one arrest when officers were attacked by the crowd throwing fireworks and other makeshift weapons.

The Department is still determining whether any injuries were incurred.

At approximately 11 p.m., the majority to protestors dispersed without further incident.

The Department will assess overnight any injuries or damage resulting from the protests and demonstrations.

The Los Angeles Police Department has the distinction of facilitating First Amendment Rights for all Angelinos. Equally the Department will enforce the law when individuals engage in violence. Those who expressed themselves peacefully today are appreciated and recognized by the Los Angeles Police Department.

As more detailed information becomes available, this press release will be updated.