A Los Angeles man was arrested on Friday after allegedly setting a California Highway Patrol patrol vehicle on fire during downtown ICE raids protests, officials confirmed.
It happened on Sunday, according to CHP, after more than 1,000 demonstrators took over the 101 Freeway lanes.
Officials said that the suspect, identified as 39-year-old Adam Palermo, was seen throwing rocks at CHP officers and vehicles from an overpass.
After throwing rocks, CHP said Palermo took out what was only described as “an object” and lit it on fire before dropping it onto a CHP patrol vehicle below him. The object landed on the cruiser, causing it to go up in flames.
“To extinguish the fire,” stated CHP, “officers had to put themselves in danger from thrown rocks and bottles.”
CHP detectives assigned to the case later on spoke with members of the public and identified Palermo as the suspect.
“The California Highway Patrol will not tolerate attacks against our officers under any circumstances,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Our personnel put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public, and anyone who targets them with violence will be identified, pursued, and held fully accountable under the law.”
On Friday morning, the detectives arrested Palermo outside his home and ultimately booked him for assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer during the June 8 protest. After his arrest, CHP said detectives searched his home and found more evidence of the crime.
“Violent and deliberate attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated in California. Period,” said Governor Gavin Newsom about Palermo’s arrest. “I’m grateful to the state investigators and law enforcement who tracked down this suspect and are continuing to uphold the rule of law.”
CHP said the case is still under investigation and once completed, will be presented to the L.A. County District Attorney’s office for filing consideration with potential charges to include assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, arson and vandalism.
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