An individual who unleashed chaos by launching a massive cinderblock at ICE vehicles during a riot in Los Angeles is now facing the possibility of a 20-year prison sentence. This incident, captured on video, involved 41-year-old Elpidio Reyna, who was seen hurling rocks at passing vehicles during the tumultuous events near a Home Depot in Paramount on June 7.
Subsequently, Reyna found himself on the FBI’s ‘most wanted’ list after evading law enforcement. However, his attempt to escape justice was short-lived as he was apprehended a month later at the US-Mexico border by the very agent he had targeted.
Originating from Compton, Reyna admitted guilt on Tuesday to a felony charge of assault on a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon, which resulted in bodily harm.
First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli commented on the severity of the crime, stating, “This defendant could have easily killed a federal officer or innocent bystander. As he learned the hard way, violence against law enforcement is not constitutionally protected and will be met with swift justice.”
First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli said: “This defendant could have easily killed a federal officer or innocent bystander.
“As he found out the hard way, violence against law enforcement is not constitutionally protected and will be met with swift justice.”
He added: “Those who engage in similar violence will be arrested, charged, and eventually convicted in a court of law.”
Reyna had initially fled to Mexico after authorities blasted out images of him to track him down following the attack.
He was detained by Mexican authorities in the state of Sinaloa earlier this month but later agreed to surrender to the FBI. He was taken into custody at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
At the time of his arrest, Attorney General Pamela Bondi said: “You can run, but you can not hide. If you attack a law enforcement officer, we’ll find you.”
Reyna will be sentence on August 7 and faces up to 20 years in a federal prison.
