Californian police have charged a man who allegedly launched fireworks at officers while celebrating Mexico’s defeat of Germany in their opening World Cup game on Sunday, June 17.
According to Huntington Park Police Department, officers in full-tactical gear had formed a line and were monitoring an “unruly” street celebration that had sprung up after Mexico’s win over Germany.
A man in the crowd fired a mortar-style firework in the direction of the police line, forcing officers move away to avoid being hit, said a statement. No one was struck by the projectile.
According to KTLA, there were no injuries arising from the incident.
Police say the man also launched a firework at a law enforcement helicopter.
Footage of the incident, circulated on social media, shows a man shooting a firework horizontally towards police, as the crowd shouts in the background. Officers are seen clearing away before the projectile explodes just past the police line.
Other videos of the celebrations shared on Twitter shows revelers doing doughnuts on the street.
— Eddie (@Gvmbiit) June 17, 2018
The suspect has been identified as 36-year-old Jose Alberto Martinez, and was arrested shortly after the incident.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has filed five counts against Martinez on June 22, including assaulting a peace officer and use of explosives to injure or destroy.
The 36-year-old is currently being held at Los Angeles County Jail. He faces up to 27 years in prison if convicted, say authorities.
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