A Gardena man who was arrested in downtown Los Angeles while allegedly carrying an assault rifle and handgun that he said he planned to use to protect a friend’s business during a police protest pleaded not guilty Thursday to a weapons charge.
Gregory Wong, 31, was charged in August with a felony count of possession of an ARP5 assault weapon.
About 1:30 a.m. on June 2, a National Guard member alerted police after spotting a man dressed in combat attire that resembled a National Guard uniform near the intersection of First Street and Main streets, where protesters had gathered. When questioned by officers, Wong allegedly said he was headed downtown to provide security for a friend’s establishment.
“While investigators are still looking into the incident, at this time it does not appear that Mr. Wong intended to harm anyone,” LAPD Officer Drake Madison said shortly after Wong’s arrest.
Wong was released on $50,000 bond early the next day, jail records show.
If convicted as charged, the defendant faces up to three years in jail, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.