A man who allegedly halted rush hour traffic on the Harbor (110) Freeway in downtown Los Angeles two years ago to shoot a music video pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a trio of felony charges.
Eduardo Erik Martinez, 32, was charged in September with a single count of conspiracy to commit exhibition of speed and two counts of felony vandalism, according to the District Attorney’s Office. He is due back in court Dec. 11, when a date will be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for him to stand trial.
According to prosecutors, during the afternoon rush hour on Nov. 22, 2023, Martinez had several vehicles block traffic on the northbound 110 Freeway near Ninth Street, and allegedly began recording a music video “while other vehicles did donuts behind him and around him.”
Martinez was also charged with vandalizing a bench at the downtown Criminal Courts Building during a 2024 court appearance on a separate matter.
He faces up to four years and four months in jail if convicted.
“This was incredibly reckless behavior, all in search of a `viral moment’ on social media,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement. “This past summer I announced that we’re partnering with law enforcement to crack down on and eliminate reckless street takeovers that can lead to death and other types of crimes that hurt our communities. If you choose to treat our streets like your own personal playground, you will find yourself in a criminal courtroom.”