U-Haul driver plows through LA protesters calling for change in Iranian government
U-Haul driver plows into protesters in LA
A man in a U-Haul plowed through a crowd of protesters in Westwood.
LOS ANGELES - An investigation continues after shocking video on social media showed a U-Haul truck driving into a crowd of demonstrators in Los Angeles' Westwood area.
On Monday, the suspect was identified by the Los Angeles Police Department as 48-year-old Calor Madanescht.
What we know:
The Los Angeles Police Department and a special agent from the FBI responded to a call of a U-Haul truck crashing into a crowd of people marching near the Federal Building at the intersection of Veteran and Ohio avenues around 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 11.
U-Haul truck plows thru protesters
A U-Haul truck drove into a crowd of protesters demanding change in Iran.
In the video, shared by @Shangoolans on social media, showed the U-Haul truck plowing into people flying Iranian flags, with screams heard in the background, people running out of the way, and a few people trying to retaliate by hitting the vehicle with flag poles.
"The demonstrators tore the signs off the truck, and attacked the driver, who drove toward a group of LAPD officers. Individuals from the crowd jumped out of the truck’s path of travel to avoid being struck," the LAPD confirmed Monday.
FOX 11's Matthew Seedorff reports the incident left at least one person hurt, which ended up being the U-Haul driver.
The LAPD established a skirmish line between the box truck and the crowd. The driver was subsequently taken into custody, and was later booked for reckless driving.
The backstory:
According to event organizers prior to the incident, a demonstration was staged in Westwood as part of renewed calls for political change in Iran. Leading up to the scheduled Sunday demonstration, organizers said these rallies give Iranian Americans a chance to speak up and amplify voices for those demanding change in Iran – which includes calls for offsetting the country's economic crisis and ending human-rights violations.
What we don't know:
As of Sunday, officials are investigating the U-Haul driver's motive. Witnesses at the scene believe the suspect was there to counter the demonstrators.
What's next:
The LAPD's Major Crimes Division will present its case to the LA City Attorney's Office.
The Source: This report used information provided by FOX 11's Matthew Seedorff and the Los Angeles Police Department. This article also references the events that happened in social media user, @Shangoolan's, video.