Los Angeles, Ca
LAPD: Striking workers struck by metal ball bearings
The Los Angeles Police Department is asking the public for help in identifying the suspect or suspects involved with the assault of multiple striking workers in downtown Los Angeles over two days.
According to a release from the LAPD, the first incident occurred when a group had formed a picket line in front of a hotel in the 900 block of Figueroa Street around 10:15 a.m. on Jan. 21.
During the demonstration, a woman and a man in the group were struck by metal ball bearings, authorities said.
Both protestors sustained minor abrasions.
The next day, another group gathered to engage in picketing when three men were struck with metal ball bearings, LAPD officials confirmed.
“One man was treated at the scene for minor lacerations and two other men refused treatment,” the LAPD release said.
Detectives with the LAPD’s Central Division are handling the investigation and seek the public’s help with any leads or tips to identify the suspect or suspects involved in the assaults with a deadly weapon.
To provide information, contact Central Division Detective Shahid at 213-996-1839. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-527-3247.
Anonymous tipsters can submit information online by visiting the Crime Stoppers website or calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
A woman was hospitalized with serious injuries after she was violently attacked by a robber in downtown Long Beach. On June 18, Jennifer Silva, 34, was attending a World Cup watch party at a Hooters restaurant at 90 Aquarium Way. After the game ended, she left the restaurant just before 11 p.m. As she walked […]
Jurors deliberating the fate of the man accused of starting the Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in California’s history, failed to reach a verdict Thursday afternoon, telling the judge they were deadlocked.
A spokesperson from the United States Attorney’s Office told KTLA that jurors will continue to deliberate until they reach a verdict or give up.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 30, a former Uber driver and one-time Pacific Palisades resident, is accused of starting the Lachman Fire on New Year’s Eve. The fire continued to smolder underground for about a week, even after Los Angeles firefighters believed it had been extinguished.
Flames reignited on Jan. 7, erupting into the deadly Palisades Fire that killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes in the upscale community, authorities said.
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A courtroom sketch of Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, during his initial court appearance on Oct. 23, 2025. (Bill Robles) -
The U.S. Dept. of Justice booking photo of Jonathan Rinderknecht over the Palisades Fire devastation in Malibu, California in January 2025 (AP).
Prosecutors argued that Rinderknecht deliberately set the fire, claiming he had grown increasingly resentful of wealthy residents and viewed Pacific Palisades as a symbol of that frustration.
“Their case, though circumstantial, is strong,” KTLA legal analyst Alison Triessl said. “The defense is relying on, can they (prosecutors) show beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Rinderknecht actually started this fire and it wasn’t the result of fireworks or some intervening cause.”
The defense argued there is no direct physical evidence tying Rinderknecht to the fire and said the prosecution’s case relies entirely on circumstantial evidence. Rinderknecht did not testify during the trial.
Defense attorney Steve Haney spoke outside the courthouse Wednesday about why he believes it will be difficult for prosecutors to prove how the fire started.
“The lack of scene preservation. The fact that they got there after a lot of the evidence was missing. Not a lot of direct evidence. This is a circumstantial case, which is always difficult as a prosecutor to prove,” Haney said.
Rinderknecht, who was arrested and indicted last October, faces up to 45 years in prison if found guilty of three arson counts, including destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce and timber set afire.
Tony Kurzweil contributed to this report
Los Angeles, Ca
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