In an announcement today, District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman declared that felony charges have been brought against Martin Richard Torres, accused of throwing an object onto the 101 Freeway during an immigration protest. The reported act, occurring last Monday, could land Torres a prison sentence of over seven years if he is found guilty as charged.
According to a statement obtained by the District Attorney's Office, "Throwing objects onto a busy freeway is not an act of protest; it is a reckless and dangerous crime that could seriously injure or kill innocent people." The charges include one count of felony for throwing an object at a vehicle or an occupant of the vehicle with intent to cause great bodily injury, and a second count for vandalism over $400 in graffiti. During the act of protest, Torres supposedly put bystanders' lives at risk, and if the allegations prove true, he could be severely reprimanded according to the criminal justice system.
It is alleged that on the morning of February 3rd, near Spring Street and the 101 Freeway in Los Angeles, Torres targeted a vehicle by hurling an object intended to cause harm, in addition to defacing a freeway sign. Bail has been requested by the People to be set at $775,000, a reflection of the severity of the alleged crimes, including Torres' previous convictions of serious and/or violent felonies.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department conducted the investigation leading up to the charges, while LADA's Central Trials Division is set to prosecute the case. With the law purportedly circumvented by Torres during the said protest, the statement from the DA's office highlighted the sanctity of peaceful demonstration in democracy, clarifying that, "Everyone has the right to express their views and engage in peaceful protest — that is fundamental to our democracy." The District Attorney emphasized, however, that such rights don't extend to cover endangering the public.
Although charged, Martin Richard Torres is presumed innocent until proven guilty. His actions, as charged, stand as allegations until he is either acquitted or condemned through the due process of law. Further developments in the case will undoubtedly continue to unfold as it proceeds through the legal system.
