Vandalism Suspect Arrested at Peaceful Staples Center Demonstration

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Sunday, August 13, 2000

"Vandalism Suspect Arrested at Peaceful Staples Center Demonstration"

Los Angeles – On Sunday, August 13, 2000, at approximately 2:00 p.m., a group of demonstrators marched from Pershing Square located at 5th Street and Hill Street, to the Staples Center designated protest area located at Figueroa Street and Olympic Boulevard. During the protest, at approximately 4:45 p.m., Los Angeles Police Officers observed a group of 10 to 15 individuals who were approaching the west side of the demonstration area and were climbing the chain link security fence at that location. Police Officers continued to observe the group, most of whom were wearing black clothing and black bandanas on their faces and carrying black backpacks.

Police Officers then observed Daniel Katz Woutat, a male Caucasian, 18 years of age, from Long Beach, California, making holes in the security fence erected at that location. Police Officers then arrested Woutat. A search of Mr. Woutat’s black backpack subsequent to his arrest, revealed he was carrying an operational gasmask.

Woutat was transported to Parker Center, where he was booked for violation of Section 594 of the Penal Code (Felony Vandalism).

This press release was prepared by Officer Guillermo Campos, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.

For Release 10:00 pm PDT
August 13, 2000