Amidst the chaos of the “No Kings” protest in downtown Los Angeles, a motorist struck a protester, leading to a police investigation into the hit-and-run incident.

At a Glance

• Police are searching for a motorist who hit a protester during a demonstration.
• The incident occurred on University Avenue, leading to serious injuries for the protester.
• The driver fled the scene, prompting a police investigation into a hit-and-run.
• The protester is hospitalized in stable condition.

Incident Details and Investigation

The Riverside Police Department is actively searching for the driver involved in a hit-and-run incident during a “No Kings” protest. The protest took place on University Avenue between Main and Orange streets at around 9:10 p.m., where the motorist’s abrupt acceleration caused significant injury to 21-year-old Alexa Carrasco. Despite a green light, the driver hit Carrasco, rolling over her leg, and fled the scene immediately afterward.

Video footage reveals that the protester approached and touched the vehicle, which led to the driver’s sudden reaction. As the motorist sped away from the intersection, Carrasco suffered injuries including a cracked rib and broken leg. She has been hospitalized and placed in a medically induced coma due to severe injuries, including a punctured lung and skull fracture.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

The incident, which occurred amidst a gathering of over 5,000 attendees, has sparked significant concern and is under thorough investigation by law enforcement. Ryan Railsback from the Riverside Police Department stated, “We’d like that driver to contact us” to understand their perspective on the incident. Investigators are reviewing video evidence from social media and city surveillance cameras to piece together the sequence of events before and after the protester was hit.

“It’s really hard to see her like this.” – Yecenia Ramirez

Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could help identify the driver, emphasizing the need for both parties’ accounts to fully understand the incident. Las Angeles fire officials reported that Carrasco’s injuries are described as an isolated lower extremity injury, but her condition remains stable.

Protest Context and Public Safety Efforts

The “No Kings” protest was reported to be mostly peaceful with minor vandalism noted. Participants were demonstrating for human rights, as emphasized by friends of Carrasco, who described her as a peaceful advocate. The incident has raised questions about the safety and management of large-scale protests in busy urban areas.

“Dramatic footage shows the chaotic moment a frustrated driver ran over the leg of a ‘No Kings’ protester who was trying to block the vehicle’s path in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday.” – KTLA

Public safety is a concern as the investigation into the hit-and-run continues. Police are keen on speaking with the driver to gain insight into their decision to flee and ask for potential witnesses to assist in the investigation. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Riverside Police Department immediately.