The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has declined to prosecute the man who drove a U-Haul truck through a protest against the Iranian regime in Westwood, officials exclusively told NBC4 Investigates Friday.
Calor Madaneschtalor was arrested and booked for reckless driving, a misdemeanor, earlier this month after his rental truck entered the protest area near the Federal Building in Westwood.
The LA City Attorney’s Office, which handles misdemeanor crimes and municipal code violations, had initially decided not to charge Madaneschtalor. Then the case was transferred over to the district attorney’s office for the possible consideration of a felony reckless driving charge.
However, the DA’s office told NBC4 Investigates that its review of Madaneschtalor’s case has completed, and it sent the case back to the city attorney’s office for possible misdemeanor charges.
It was not immediately clear whether the city attorney’s office will reconsider.
Madaneschtalor told NBC Los Angeles that when he drove his truck into the crowd, his initial plan was to park his truck and get out of the car to join the protesters in solidarity with the people of Iran.
“As I parked, the pro-Shah group attacked me,” Madaneschtalor said. “(They) violently started hitting me. Broken windows, shattered inside. Coming inside, punching me.”
The large box truck, which Madaneschtalor was driving, had messages on the sides of its cargo area. And it continued down the street as demonstrators scrambled out of the way.
Madaneschtalor, who insisted that he had a peaceful message on the truck, said he had to drive away to save his life.
Some protesters had called for a terrorism charge against Madaneschtalor.
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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