Freeway Shutdown for Music Video Lands LA Man with Felony Charges
Los Angeles, CA – A 31-year-old Los Angeles man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly orchestrating a shutdown of the 110 Freeway last November to film a music video, the Los Angeles County District attorney’s Office announced today. Eduardo erik Martínez pleaded not guilty Wednesday to one count of conspiracy to commit exhibition of speed and two counts of felony vandalism.
Prosecutors allege that on November 22, 2023, Martínez directed drivers to block the northbound lanes of the 110 Freeway near the 9th Street off-ramp. While traffic was halted, Martínez allegedly filmed a music video as vehicles performed donuts around him.
“This was incredibly reckless behavior, all in search of a ‘viral moment’ on social media,” stated District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman. “If you choose to treat our streets like your own personal playground, you will find yourself in a criminal courtroom.”
The charges against Martínez extend beyond the freeway incident. He is also accused of vandalizing a bench inside Department 40 of the Los Angeles County Courthouse on October 21,while attending court for an unrelated matter.
If convicted on all counts, Martínez faces a potential sentence of up to four years and four months in jail.
The case is being jointly investigated by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Martínez is scheduled to return to court on December 11 for a preliminary hearing date setting. His bail is currently set at $100,000, following the filing of the charges in September.
